Chelsea Transfer News: Radamel Falcao Deadline, Fresh Antoine Griezmann Rumours

Radamel Falcao wants to seal a move to Chelsea before the beginning of the Copa America, but he could have his hopes of joining the Premier League champions dashed by Monaco's insistence on a permanent transfer.

John Cross and Darren Lewis of the Mirror indicate Chelsea are only happy to sign Falcao on a season-long loan in a similar deal to that which saw him represent Manchester United during the 2014-15 campaign.

It is suggested Monaco want £35 million for his services on a permanent deal which would finally remove his £265,000 per week wages from the club's bill. Falcao "is prepared to take a big cut" to secure a future in England, according to Cross and Lewis' report, which states the Colombian wishes to have his future resolved by June 14.

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"I know that it has been speculated a lot about Chelsea," said Falcao, reported by Cross and Lewis. "I try to stay out of it. But I would like to continue in the Premier League. I think about working with Colombia for now. Everything else is for my agent."

Duncan Castles of Goal.com believes Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is "driving the deal" to sign Falcao as back-up to Diego Costa and Loic Remy. Marca's Alberto Rubio believes a loan agreement is "all but done," with the Blues likely to pay €7 million (approx £5 million) up front.

Like United, Chelsea will also be offered a first refusal to sign the player on a permanent deal when the season comes to an end, according to Rubio. It is suggested this would be set at €50 million (approx £37 million). Rubio notes Jorge Mendes—Falcao and Mourinho's agent—is trying to find an agreement which suits all.

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Falcao scored just four Premier League goals with United. He was often relegated to the bench by manager Louis van Gaal and failed to put together a consistent run of form.

The 29-year-old is yet to find the sharpness which made him such a deadly goalscorer prior to last year's knee injury, but his work rate and willingness to improve could slot in well under Mourinho's guidance. 

B/R UK's Sam Tighe believes elite clubs shouldn't bother with his transfer:

The player is also linked with a move to Atletico Madrid. Enrique Cerezo, president at the Vicente Calderon, suggests re-signing the striker or landing Juventus' Carlos Tevez may be out of reach for the Spanish club. Speaking on transfers to Radio4G (h/t EFE via AS), Cerezo said "the Falcao one and the Tevez one are very difficult."

Cerezo also noted Antoine Griezmann is "non-transferable," per AS, after continued speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge, as reported by Lewis.

Mourinho recently confirmed he isn't looking to sign the forward who racked up 22 goals in his debut La Liga season with the Rojiblancos, as reported by Marca (h/t James Olley of the London Evening Standard): "Griezmann is a great striker but is not within our objectives to strengthen the squad for next season. We are not interested."

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B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently centred on under-the-radar signings Mourinho could target to improve his squad:

Falcao's rumoured insistence on confirming a deal before the Copa America may stem from internal worries. If he picks up another injury or fails to perform well, it's likely interest in his acquisition will quickly dissipate.

He could be an excellent signing for the Blues but would likely need to make the most of limited opportunities. Mourinho isn't about to change his team around to fit the former Porto man in, especially after lone striker Costa scored 20 goals during an injury-ridden debut Premier League campaign at the club.

Falcao represents something of an intriguing risk, even more so than he did for United last summer. Mourinho is capable of resurrecting struggling careers—just note the form of John Terry—but with Falcao's recent form and fitness considered, there is no way the champions can sanction a permanent deal for a man who is not guaranteed to ever get his form back.