Chelsea Transfer News: Koke Masterplan Hatched, Latest Radamel Falcao Rumours

Chelsea’s eagerness to sign Atletico Madrid’s star midfielder Koke will prompt them into offering Filipe Luis back to the Spanish champions as part of the deal, according to reports.

Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard claims that Blues boss Jose Mourinho is a “huge admirer” of the 23-year-old maestro, who has blossomed into one of the finest midfielders on the continent under the tutelage of Diego Simeone.

Here’s a look at what he could potentially add to the Chelsea cause:

According to the piece, while Barcelona, Manchester City and Manchester United are all interested in the Atletico man, who has a £48 million release clause, the Blues feel as though they have a great chance of landing Koke. That’s because the Spanish champions are apparently keen on bringing Luis back to the Vicente Calderon.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

The Brazilian has failed to nail down a spot in the Blues’ first team since his summer switch, with Mourinho seeming to prefer the defensive diligence of Cesar Azpilicueta in the left-back slot.

According to Spanish football expert Neymarred, if Atletico did manage to get Luis back, it would be a major coup on their part:

"

Atléti miss Filipe Luis massively. If they manage to get him back this summer, they'll be much, much stronger again next season.

— Neymarred (@Neymarred) March 17, 2015"

But at what potential cost? Koke is a player who is perfect for Simeone’s bespoke principles, as he boasts an intensity and industry off the ball that enables him to flourish in a side based upon high-octane defensive work and cohesion. It’s probably those qualities that have prompted Mourinho’s interest.

He’s not been in the best form of late, though, as noted by WhoScored.com:

Nonetheless, he’s a vital player for Atletico and not someone they would be willing to lose. Even if Chelsea do match his aforementioned release clause, the player himself should think carefully before switching to a club that already boasts a surfeit of stellar attacking options, especially in advanced midfield roles.

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Indeed, as noted by Bleacher Report’s Chelsea correspondent Garry Hayes, the Blues don’t actually need to make wholesale changes this summer if they’re to challenge for the top honours next season:

With that in mind, a pursuit of Radamel Falcao would be very peculiar. The Colombian has toiled during his season on loan at Manchester United from AS Monaco, and according to the Manchester Evening News (h/t Tom Oliver of Metro), Louis van Gaal is set to tell the former Atletico man that the club will not pursue a permanent deal.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Given Falcao’s abject showings, that’s no surprise. Apparent interest from Chelsea definitely is though, with the aforementioned piece claiming that Mourinho is keen on bringing the striker to Stamford Bridge.

As noted by Squawka Football, the 29-year-old has this season been shown up by a host of less illustrious names at Old Trafford:

Falcao needs to find a team where he will play on a weekly basis in order to rediscover the magnificent form that made him one of the continent’s most feared front men. With Diego Costa leading the line for the Blues—a man whose rugged style of centre-forward play is the antithesis of Falcao’s laboured displays this season—that won’t happen at Stamford Bridge.

Based on reputation alone, the Colombian should get a move to an elite European club, but given his potential wage demands, the options Chelsea currently have and Mourinho’s propensity for playing just one centre-forward, it’s very unlikely the Blues will take the gamble on Falcao.