Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone claims he would happily let Radamel Falcao leave the Vicente Calderon if the striker wishes to move on, amid strong speculation linking the Colombian to Monaco and long-standing interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Falcao has been in sensational form for Atletico this season, with 34 goals to his name from 40 appearances. Chelsea, City and Real Madrid have remained long-term admirers of the striker but recent reports suggest cash-rich Monaco are close to signing the 27-year-old.

Radamel Falcao
Reuters

Simeone insists nothing has been decided regarding the player's future so far and also stated he would be happy with whatever decision the talismanic forward makes in the next few weeks.

"I don't know anything official yet. I've known him since he was a child and I wish him all the best. If he feels that he needs to make a move, I'll be happy for him. If he stays with us, I'll be happy too," the Argentine said.

Falcao moved to Atletico from Porto in an initial €40m deal in 2011 and has back-to-back Europa League titles (with Porto in 2010-11 and Atletico in 2011-12) in his list of major honours. The striker also has won two Portuguese Primeira Liga, two Portuguese Cup and a Copa del Rey title in the last four years.

Earlier this week Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin had stated the club would be stronger next season, despite losing Falcao.

Having replaced the Liverpool-bound Fernando Torres with Diego Forlan in 2007 and the Manchester City-bound Sergio Augero with Falcao in 2011, the Rojiblancos chief is confident the club can cope without the Colombian.

"Atletico knows how to change good strikers. Fernando Torres, Forlan, Aguero and now Falcao. We don't know who exactly will be the next one but we know Atletico will have a strong team next season," Marin stressed.

Atletico are understood to be considering a move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke as Falcao's replacement.

Real Madrid