Luis Suarez on Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann: 'Barcelona always wants the best players'

Barcelona made a concerted effort to sign Coutinho during the summer transfer window and have more recently been linked with a move for Griezmann

The two players have been linked to Barcelona (Getty)

Luis Suarez has praised Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann as “elite”, adding that Barcelona “always want the best players”.

The two players have been linked to Barcelona in recent weeks, with the Catalans expected to make a move for both in January or next summer.

Barcelona made a concerted effort to sign Coutinho during last summer's transfer window and have more recently been linked with a move for Griezmann, who was told last week by Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone that he can leave the club should the right offer arise.

With the pair on Ernesto Valverde’s radar, Suarez has now showered the two footballers in praise.

“Both Griezmann and Coutinho are elite players that are playing at the top level,” the Uruguay star told RAC105.

“They are where they are for a reason. They're both young and have long careers ahead of them. And Barca always want the best players.”

Barcelona are growing confident that they will be able to land Griezmann. Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu met with the Frenchman’s family last week to finalise a deal for next year.

Suarez added that he is not concerned by the prospect of another forward joining Barcelona.

“If you look at him at Atletico he needs to play with a No 9. He's not a fixed No 9,” he said.

“Obviously, Griezmann would come here to add to the team and to help the side in the position that the coach wants him to play in.”