After a rather disappointing season on loan at Manchester United, Radamel Falcao will likely spend the 2015-2016 season with Chelsea.
Falcao scored just four goals in 29 appearances during his loan spell at Old Trafford, falling short of high expectations. Naturally, United have not made his move permanent, but the Colombian will have another chance to redeem himself in England with the Premier League champions.
Report: Chelsea agree to deal with AS Monaco for Radamel Falcao http://t.co/FVTtOJMXfP (via http://t.co/I90Xxvvi2g)
— Juan Pablo León (@juanpleonp) June 16, 2015
Jose Mourinho expressed his admiration for Falcao in an interview with DirectTV Sports.
“I know him very well from when I was in Portugal and Spain. For a player of his level and quality, it’s a real shame that people in England think Falcao is the player who was at Manchester United.
“I don’t have a close relationship with him, but it hurts me because he’s a great player. If there’s any way for me to help the English people to get to know the real Falcao, that would give me pleasure.”
It is understood that talks between Chelsea and Monaco are nearing completion, with the biggest obstacles being Falcao’s willingness to lower his weekly salary of £265,000 and the extensive medical checks he will have to undergo following the end of the Copa America in Chile.
Falcao’s signing would have several effects on the Blues. The striker would be reunited with former Atletico Madrid teammate Diego Costa, and the pair have the potential to form a formidable partnership in front of goal if Falcao’s form improves under Mourinho.
Falcao’s arrival could also mean the beginning of the end of Loic Remy’s stay at the West London side, especially if Chelsea seek to further strengthen their side by pursuing Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann.
It is likely that Remy could be looking for a transfer to a team who can promise him more playing time, and West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Lyon have expressed interest in him.
Monaco are also pushing for Chelsea to include loaning U-21 player Charly Musonda and Mario Pasalic in the transfer deal. As it is understood that Falcao’s move to Chelsea is already agreed upon in principle, it is likely that this request will be met.
