Premier League side Arsenal have been linked to Monaco’s Radamel Falcao, just a few months after the Colombian striker joined his current club in a £52 million move from Atletico Madrid. However, rumors of Monaco’s money issues with Falco’s tax-free contract may force the French club to sell the 27-year-old, despite Monaco denying the reports.
Arsenal have been chasing a top-flight striker throughout the summer but manager Arsene Wenger has failed so far to lure a striker to the club. The north London outfit have pursued the likes of Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney, and Gonzalo Higuain this summer but could turn their attention to Colombian international with a reported £70-plus million ready to spendand Monaco facing a potential £85 million fine regarding Falcao’s £270,000 weekly wage.
Falcao is currently not being taxed at 75% of his wages, which is what players of his income level in France are typically taxed at. However, since Monaco resides in the tax-free haven of Monte Carlo, the club do not pay taxes on their players.
“The tax advantage that Monaco has is considered unfair by other clubs, especially in a period of economic difficulties for all clubs except for PSG,” a top French official told theDaily Star.
“For example, former winners of the league, Lyon and Lille must now sell their players in order to break even.”
While the Gunners are interested in the striker, the Premier League club will face heavy competition for the Colombian international with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United also interested in the striker, according to the Daily Star. Chelsea, like Arsenal, have been linked to multiple strikers this summer, including Anzhi’s Samuel Eto’o and Porto’s Jackson Martinez and have already had two bids rejected for Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney with nothing to show for their efforts.
Falcao was in superb form for Spanish side Atletico Madrid last season, scoring 28 times in his 33 La Liga appearances. The 27-year-old also scored in his Monaco debut, leading the club to a 2-0 victory over Bordeaux last Saturday.