Chelsea transfers: Atletico boss braced for Radamel Falcao exit

Diego Simeone has dropped the biggest hint yet that Radamel Falcao could be heading to Chelsea this summer by admitting that the striker’s situation at Atletico Madrid is “complicated”.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of the prolific forward, who hit a stunning first-half hat-trick against the Blues in their 4-1 defeat by the La Liga side in the Uefa Super Cup back in August.

Manchester City have also been reported to be lining up a big-money move for the 27-year-old Colombian, who has hit an impressive 21 goals in 25 La Liga games this season.

And Atletico boss Simeone concedes that he is likely to be powerless to prevent the sought-after forward from leaving the club in the summer.

“It is complicated, but it would be fabulous if he stayed,” Simeone told Spanish radio show Al Primer Toque.

“I am not his agent. I am not Falcao. Falcao has given me a lot and is a player with commitment, and I respect him a lot for that. The fans do not have to judge him after all he has given.

“[Fernando] Torres went and [Sergio] Aguero came, which was a risky bet. [Diego] Forlan went and Falcao came. If he does end up leaving, another competitive player will surely arrive.”

Falcao, who move to Atletico from Porto in 2011, has earned a reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe after hitting a staggering 63 goals in 78 appearances for the La Liga side.