Chelsea transfers: Simeone would hold no grudge if Falcao quit Atletico

Diego Simeone says he wouldn’t hold a grudge against Radamel Falcao if the striker sought a new challenge this summer – but would prefer the Colombian to stay at Atletico Madrid.

The South American forward has been heavily linked with a move to Ligue 2 champions Monaco in recent weeks, while Chelsea and Manchester United are both reportedly interested in the striker.

Falcao has been in scintillating form for Atletico, scoring 28 goals in 33 La Liga appearances, and also playing a key role in their Copa del Rey triumph, culminating in a extra-time victory over Real Madrid in the final last Friday.

With the 26-year-old’s future still very much up in the air with two La Liga games remaining, Simeone says he would hold no grudges if the former Porto man decided to take the next step in his career at the end of the season.

“I don’t know anything official yet. I have known him since he was a child and if he feels that he has to take a step to improve, I’m happy for him. If he stays with us, I’ll be even happier,” Simeone told reporters after Atletico’s 2-0 friendly win against a Singapore selection side.

Falcao has scored an impressive 70 goals in 90 appearances for Atletico after completing a €40m (£34m) from Porto to the Spanish capital, winning the Copa del Rey, Europa League and Uefa Super Cup.