Chelsea's Striker Search Intensifies After Monaco Respond to Radamel Falcao Interest
Jose Mourinho has been told to forget about trying to bring Radamel Falcao to Chelsea this summer by Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev.
The Colombian completed a €60m move from Atletico Madrid to the principality last summer as Claudio Ranieri's side embarked on a spending spree that exceeded €100m in efforts to dislodge Paris Saint Germain from the summit of French football.
Despite his club record move just nine months ago, Falcao remains linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea boss Mourinho was recently filmed discussing his side by Canal Plus where he criticised his current striking options before fanning speculation of a bid for the Monaco striker this summer.
"Falcao does not have a team. A player like him can't play in front of 3000 people. Monaco is a club to end (your career with)," Mourinho said.
But Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev, whose role saw him oversee the club's high profile summer transfers bankrolled by billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev, has insisted the striker remains "fundamental" to the club's project and will not be sold under any circumstances.
"The key point was to sign Radamel Falcao. This had been fundamental to our project," Vasilyev told BeIN Sport.
"From there, everything was easier for other players to come. I often speak with him and I can tell you he has morals. I hope he can also play in the World Cup. In any case, one thing is certain; he will be at Monaco next season."
Chelsea are largely expected to make a move for an established world class striker after a season where their current trio of Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba have struggled. Should Monaco resist offers from west London for Falcao, the Blues will reportedly turn their attention to the man who has filled the void left by him at Atletico Madrid in Diego Costa.
Mourinho has also heavily hinted that he would be keen to bring Mario Balotelli back to the Premier League just a year after he left Manchester City for AC Milan.
Falcao meanwhile has not played since January after suffering knee ligament damage that has ended his season and threatened to cancel his World Cup plans. However, the 27-year-old has made remarkable progress in his recovery and was recently photographed moving freely without the need for crutches. His club manager is also confident he will also be fit in time to represent Colombia in Brazil this summer.
"He's doing well and working hard. His knee is reacting very positively,' said Ranieri. 'I think he'll play at the World Cup," Ranieri said.
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