Where will AS Monaco star Radamel Falcao end up today?
SEE ALSO: All the Premier League done deals so far.
One of the transfer sagas of the day looks set to be the battle for AS Monaco’s world class striker Radamel Falcao, with a number of clubs reportedly set to fight it out for the capture of the Colombian, who seems unsettled in the principality after a lack of transfer business from the Ligue 1 runners-up this summer following the sale of James Rodriguez.
With Falcao’s future still as clear as mud as we enter transfer deadline day, here are the five potential destinations for the former Atletico Madrid superstar:
AS Monaco
The first possibility is that the status quo is maintained and that Falcao remains at Monaco – although this doesn’t seem to be an outcome that the player himself would be happy with – the Colombian continues to cut a frustrated figure at the club. The Ligue 1 runners-up haven’t been ambitious enough in the transfer market to harbour hopes of seriously challenging Paris Saint Germain for the title and have gotten off to a poor start under Leonardo Jardim, winning just one of their first four matches.
Real Madrid
The player’s preferred destination is seemingly Ream Madrid – with Falcao even Tweeting a message that seemed to confirm the move, although it was later deleted and its authenticity denied. Real have already spent big on his former teammate James Rodriguez this summer, however, and are unlikely to be able to afford a permanent deal for Falcao – with a loan move, for a significant fee, more like if he is to end up at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal
Arsenal are desperate for a striker following the serious injury sustained by senior frontman Olivier Giroud at Everton last week – with reports now suggesting that the Gunners may make a £55m move for Falcao. Wages are likely to be a problem at the Emirates Stadium, however, whilst it would be an unprecedented amount of money for Arsene Wenger to spend on a player.
Manchester City
Manchester City now looks like the most likely destination for Falcao – but there are still serious obstacles to overcome if the Colombian is to arrive at Eastlands. With Financial Fair Play restrictions restricting City’s net spend, they must sell Alvaro Negredo, probably to Valencia, before being able to afford a deal for Falcao – with some suggestions that Sheikh Mansour is now personally involved in what would be a huge deal.
Manchester United
One shock contender for Falcao’s signature are Manchester United, with journalist Tancredi Palmeri having suggested that the Red Devils have made an undisclosed bid for the striker. A centre forward is the least of United’s worries, however, and with the club already having smashed their transfer record to sign Angel di Maria, it would be more likely that Louis van Gaal uses his resources at the other end of the pitch – but you never know on transfer deadline day.
SEE ALSO: Angel di Maria in Manchester United’s most expensive ever XI.