5 Players Who Might Join Falcao at Monaco This Summer

With Monaco’s Ligue 1 status for next season secured after they sealed the Ligue 2 title last week, transfer debate surrounding the Principality outfit is heating up.

ASM are currently awaiting reconciliation hearings (via ESPN FC) with the French Football Federation and French Football League. This is regarding the seven-time domestic champions’ privileged tax position (via ESPN FC).

Once that future is either assured or rectified, the club can start buying up some of the big names that they have been linked with.

One of those names is Atletico Madrid’s prolific Colombian striker Radamel Falcao, who has been told that he can leave the club if he chooses (via ESPN FC).

Monaco are reported to have 90 percent of a deal complete with the 27-year-old marksman (via ESPN FC).

Falcao would be just the first in a host of big names through the door at Stade Louis II, though. Here are five more players that could join him shortly.

Joao Moutinho

According to reports in the English media on Tuesday, Porto’s Portuguese playmaker, Joao Moutinho, could be the next to move to the Principality (via Sky Italia, h/t Metro).

English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur were believed to be leading the chase for the Portuguese international (per the report), but Monaco appear to have edged ahead in the race.

Porto would by no means be keen to sell, but if the money offered by the ambitious French outfit is too good to refuse—as it might prove for Atletico Madrid and Falcao—the Portuguese club will have little choice.

James Rodriguez

Alternatively, Les Monegasques could approach Porto for a double-swoop with a huge fee on offer for two of the club’s three star talents this season: Moutinho and Colombian sensation James Rodriguez.

According to the English media, the French club have lined up an audacious bid for the pair (via Sky Italia, h/t Metro).

If successful, it would make Monaco one of the best attacking sides in Europe—let alone France—and bring them to the continent’s immediate attention.

Carlos Tevez

The big names don’t stop there, though.

Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez has recently admitted that a move to France would be of interest to him (via ESPN FC).

The Argentine international has been linked with a move to both Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, and could even be joined by former coach Roberto Mancini at the Stade Louis II (via ESPN FC). 

Steve Mandanda

The names suggested so far have all been foreign.

According to reports, Monaco have also been browsing the domestic talent pool, given their favourable financial situation towards French players as well as foreigners.

Marseille and French national team goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has been linked with a move to Les Monegasques despite pledging his future to OM (via ESPN FC).

Maxime Gonalons

French international Maxime Gonalons of Lyon has also been attracting plenty of interest across Europe.

Monaco are believed to be one of the latest sides seeking his signature (via ESPN FC), but it is difficult to see him leaving Lyon for the time being.

His agent has turned down the suggestions and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in the 24-year-old.