Real Madrid Transfer News: Atletico President Dashes Antoine Griezmann Rumours

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has dismissed the idea of star striker Antoine Griezmann making the move to bitter rivals Real Madrid, "or to any other team," in the future.

In a statement depicting the club figurehead's determination to keep hold of one of Europe's hottest assets amid a swirl of transfer speculation, Cerezo told Spanish radio station Onda Cero (h/t MailOnline's Danny Gallagher):

"

I don't believe there is any possibility of Griezmann going to Madrid, or to any other team. There is a fantastic relationship with Real Madrid, a respect as people and as neighbours.

[...]

La Liga is a very long competition, luck plays a part in the Champions League, and the Copa is a trophy that everyone wants and we'll fight for it.

To compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona financially is very difficult. We try to improve on that every year.

"

For some years, Barcelona and Real have been viewed as La Liga's greatest superpowers, capable of luring talents from clubs such as Atletico in their bid to retain a monopoly over Spain's top flight—and to good effect.

However, in Griezmann, Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney recently argued Los Rojiblancos have a star who can not only contend with those of the Santiago Bernabeu, but could even be superior to their current strike force:

Goal's Joe Wright also reported on Cerezo's comments and noted Manchester United as another potential suitor who would like to take Griezmann from the Vicente Calderon following rumours of a Premier League move.

The comments just before Saturday's much-anticipated Madrid derby, where Griezmann will be critical to any success Atletico might have after netting eight goals in 14 appearances for his side so far this season:

Real already have a star French forward of their own in Karim Benzema, who has a contract until 2019 and doesn't look likely to leave anytime soon as he enjoys his eighth season in the Spanish capital.

It's also possible Real manager Zinedine Zidane might have a soft spot for compatriot Griezmann, whom he would be happy to see fit to feature in Saturday's derby, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

There is a question as to whether Griezmann could be seen as successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, although such fears seem premature given the Portuguese forward recently signed a contract extension until 2021 with Real.

Like Ronaldo, Griezmann has also been incredibly influential for his national team in the past year or so, and OptaJean provided proof of his more recent exploits for France:

Atletico would undoubtedly require some convincing if they were to part ways with Griezmann, probably their most prized asset, and even in that event, the club may prefer to sell to a buyer based outside of La Liga.

There aren't many players who might risk making the jump from one heated rival directly to another, but Cerezo isn't keen on the thought of allowing his most valued star heading for the Bernabeu—or anywhere else—anytime soon.