Monaco want Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic in a deal which could see Radamel Falcao return to the Vicente Calderon.
According to France Football, the Ligue 1 outfit’s President Dmitry Rybolovlev has set his sights on Croatian hitman Mandzukic [pictured] to lead Monaco’s attack next season as he looks to strengthen his team for an assault on the Champions League.
Mandzukic’s arrival in the Principality would in turn lead Atleti to consider taking back Falcao, who will go back to Monaco after Manchester United decided against exercising their option to buy the Colombian for €55m, following his loan spell at Old Trafford this season.
Falcao played at Atletico for two seasons, scoring 52 goals in 88 matches, and would be welcomed back by fans who have not forgotten his importance in the club’s Europa League success in 2012.
He was also instrumental in helping Los Rojiblancos to UEFA Super Cup victory against Chelsea and the 2013 Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid.
Mandzukic, meanwhile, has a contract with Atleti until 2018 but Monaco are willing to pay €25m for his services, the 29-year-old having notched 20 goals in 42 games since joining Diego Simeone’s men for €20m from Bayern Munich last summer.
