Rivaldo's transfer advice to Barca: Keep Griezmann & avoid Aubameyang

Barcelona should be looking to keep Antoine Griezmann and avoid being dragged into the race for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, says Rivaldo.

Transfer talk is building at Camp Nou heading towards the summer, despite there being no indication as to when the 2019-20 campaign will be brought to a close.

Griezmann is among those Barca are reportedly willing to listen to offers for, despite only acquiring him at the end of a long-running saga in 2019.

It has been suggested that the World Cup-winning France international could be used as a makeweight in efforts by the Liga giants to prise Lautaro Martinez away from Inter or Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

Rivaldo, though, believes that the Blaugrana need to be retaining the services of a proven 29-year-old who is yet to show his true colours in Catalunya.

The Barca legend told Betfair: “There are growing rumours about a potential Antoine Griezmann transfer to Internazionale in exchange for Lautaro Martínez or even a deal that could see the Frenchman go to PSG and Neymar come the other way.

“But I believe that Barca's board will give Griezmann more time to make an impression at the club.

“In Italy, Griezmann would have more difficulties and I think his future is in La Liga where he is well-adapted and ready to show his best game regularly.

“Barcelona just needs to be a little more patient before he builds more confidence and starts playing with more personality.”

Amid the talk of Griezmann potentially moving on, Aubameyang is among those Barcelona are being linked with when it comes to arrivals.

The prolific Arsenal frontman is approaching the final 12 months of his contract with the Gunners, sparking talk of the Premier League giants cashing in.

Rivaldo can appreciate why Barca might be keen on the 30-year-old, but has questioned whether he is needed or the right fit for Quique Setien’s side.

The Brazilian added: “Barcelona always looks for the best players available in the market and Aubameyang is obviously a great player who could be a boost for the club.

“But other than simply signing a player, Barcelona must study if a certain player will fit into their current system, or if a transfer could end up forcing the new player to play in a different role, harming his own performance and potentially causing the team problems as well.

“So, it's crucial to analyse these factors carefully before making an offer to sign a player, as it isn't just the taste of the president and board that should decide this kind of stuff.

“You need to understand if the manager would approve of it and will have a space for the player in his system.

“To fit on a new team's system is crucial, so Barcelona must be aware of that all the time and ask: Would that player fit on Quique Setien's system?”