AS Monaco Manager Leonardo Jardim Insists Radamel Falcao Will Stay

The past few days have seen an increase in reports from Spain and France linking Monaco striker Radamel Falcao with a loan move to Real Madrid.

As unlikely as the rumors may seem, respected news outlets have been commenting on the deal being “imminent” with the only issue holding the transfer back being in the fitness of the player. Madrid are rumored to be monitoring Falcao’s play during this weekend’s Emirates Cup in London.

But Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim has stepped out publicly to state that the Colombia international will not be leaving the Ligue 1 side this season.

Jardim told the media: “At this point Falcao is our player and he’s with us 100 per cent and we don’t want to let him go.”

“It’s a pity we lost James [Rodriguez] but we can count on Falcao staying. Regardless of what people say, he’s our player.”

“He’s in the final stages of his recovery and he’ll be with us this season.”

Last weekend, the Spanish newspaper AS had reported that Real Madrid were in talks with Monaco over a potential move for the Colombian international.

According to the publication, Real Madrid’s proposal is for Monaco to loan them Falcao for roughly £10 million (Atletico Madrid sold Falcao for close to £40 million, payable in four installments of £10 million) and Los Blancos would also pay the player’s salary (Falcao earns £11 million annually).

Once the loan period ended, If Madrid wanted to keep the striker, they would have an option to pay £26 million more to the Ligue 1 club in order to complete the transfer.

Yesterday, the French newspaper L’Equipe took the story further by stating a deal for the striker was at a “very advanced stage” with Madrid only waiting to verify Falcao’s fitness levels.

The striker had been on the sidelines since suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage last season during a match against Chasselay in the French Cup. But he made his pre-season debut during yesterday’s Emirates Cup match during Monaco’s 2-2 draw with Valencia.

Monaco’s Ligue 1 campaign is set to begin next Sunday against FC Lorient.