Chelsea Transfer Report: Blues to Make £48M Move for Falcao in January

Chelsea got a firsthand taste of how devastating Radamel Falcao is on Friday, when the Colombian striker scored a hat trick in his team's 4-1 Super Cup win over the Blues.

And whilst it was too late to make a big money move last week, it seems Roman Abramovich was so impressed by the performance, he is willing to sanction an astonishing £48 million move in the winter transfer window in January.

The report is via the less-than-reliable Daily Mail, but considering Chelsea's known interest in the player, and his exceptional display on Friday, such a story becomes a little easier to believe.

The Mail cites South American sources, which claim that "a pre-agreement between Falcao's team Atletico Madrid and Chelsea has been struck in a deal expected to be worth at least £48 million."

"Chelsea, Barcelona and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala have long coveted the Colombian, but Roman Abramovich's club look set to finally win the chase."

Also known is Atletico's crumbling financial state and growing debt. Such problems may force them to part with their greatest asset at a certain price.

Falcao has long been regarded as one of, if not the most effective striker in world football.

Last season he scored an eye-watering 36 goals in all competitions, most notably netting a brace in Atletico's Europa League final victory over fellow Spanish club Athletic Bilbao.

He's already gotten this season off to a flyer too, scoring six in only three games (including those against Roberto di Matteo's side).

He can score with either foot, and is as clinical as any given half-a-chance in the air.

With the summer transfer window barely slammed shut, January seems a long way off. But if Roman Abramovich is so determined to get his man, there are few capable of stopping him.

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