Brazilian now discussing personal terms ahead of move to the Stade Louis II.
Ligue 1 newcomers AS Monaco have beaten numerous clubs to the signing of Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk, after the clubs agreed on a £52million fee for the Brazilian according to the Metro.
The 26 year-old arrived in France yesterday to discuss personal terms with the French big spender, who have recently spent big money to sign Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez – all former team mates of Hulk’s.
Former Porto winger, Hulk, is currently 10th in the most expensive transfers of all time – when he snubbed interest from Chelsea for the first time to sign for Porto for €55million.
If this deal is completed, Hulk will move up to sixth, leapfrogging Falcao, Figo, Torres and Neymar. Monaco’s total spend this window will then be at £165million with more to come, as Claudio Ranieri sees the need for further depth if he wants to compete with, fellow big spenders, Paris Saint Germain.
The Brazilian winger has struggled to fit in at the Russian side after his big money move. His team mates were alarmed by his high wages, and there have been several incidents involving racist fans towards him and his colleagues.
Chelsea, having missed out on Falcao, Hulk and Cavani, will now try to hijack Arsenal’s move for Wayne Rooney by submitting an improved bid – after a cash only bid was rejected yesterday.
If Jose Mourinho fails with his attempts to sign the England international, it appears Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will be next in line to receive the London clubs attention.