Chelsea transfer news: Atletico Madrid chief warns 'blue princess' off Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has warned Chelsea off Antoine Griezmann ahead of the January transfer window. The club chief has reminded potential suitors that the France international signed a new deal with Diego Simeone's side over the summer and is still committed to the cause.

Daily Mirror recently suggested under-fire Jose Mourinho had identified the 24-year-old forward as his main target for January, having already failed in a previous attempt to sign him during the summer. Following Diego Costa's indifferent start to the season, the Stamford Bridge outfit were believed to be ready to pay around £25m ($37m) for the Frenchman's services.

Calciomercato also reported that Manchester City were ready to battle for the player's signature, following an impressive start to the season where he bagged 12 goals in 21 appearances – despite not playing in a traditional number 9 role.

Asked by Cadena Cope if Atletico were afraid that a multi-million move could lure Griezmann away from the Calderon, Cerezo said: "Players play where they want to play. Right now, Griezman's thoughts are not on a sheik or blue princess coming to sign him.

"His thoughts are at Atletico Madrid, he want to be at Atletico Madrid. He proved this by signing a renewal recently."

Cerezo's quotes comes just days after Griezmann himself said that he was happy in La Liga and was not interested in moving elsewhere.

"I do not feel the need to play in Ligue 1, nor in the Premier League or in Serie A," he said, as quoted by AS. "I am in Spain – I'm happy. Life here, football, I like it all."

Marca reported over the summer that his new deal saw his release clause raised to £58m to ward off potential interest from the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich.