New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is preparing to build his team around Antoine Griezmann, it is said.
Initially, Koeman had intended to make Messi the core figure of his new Barcelona look, having already agreed to unload a number of other high-profile ageing players such as Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal.
But, earlier this month, the Dutch manager, who replaced Quique Setien in charge of Camp Nou, endured a tumultuous start to his reign.
Captain and talisman Lionel Messi handed in a transfer request on Tuesday.
So, L’Equipe reports that the former Everton, Southampton and Dutch manager told Griezmann that he will now concentrate on rebuilding the team around him.
Koeman aims to use Griezmann in a similar free position to that in which he excelled with Atletico Madrid, and has also given his favorite number seven shirt to France international – previously worn by Philippe Coutinho.
Griezmann joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid last summer in a deal of €120 m (£ 108 m).
However, he suffered a disappointing debut with the Catalan outfit as they lost their La Liga title and were knocked out early in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
The 29-year-old, scoring 15 goals and creating four more in 48 games, completed the full 90 minutes only 19 times in all competitions during the season.
