Arsenal cannot afford the signature of Radamel Falcao, according to Spanish footballing expert Guillem Balague’s Twitter.
Arsenal are not interested in Falcao. They can’t afford him
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) August 31, 2014
Falcao has established himself as one of the world’s most sought after strikers in recent seasons. An initial spate of incredible form at Porto was followed up by a sensational spell at Atletico Madrid. This saw him move to AS Monaco, but that relationship has never been particularly successful.
There has been a consistent sense that the Colombian international left Atletico in order to be able to move to Real Madrid this summer. Monaco, bolstered by a sudden fortune two seasons ago, turned to Falcao to bolster their squad for a Ligue 1 and Champions League challenge.
Financial problems have emerged at Monaco, however, and it seemed likely that Real Madrid would move for Falcao, who has primarily been used from the bench, this summer. They have not done so, however, and with the addition of Javier Hernandez, they look increasingly unlikely to add another striker.
Arsenal require an addition after the injury to Olivier Giroud, but it now seems as though Falcao is beyond the realms of their finances.
Afford is a relative term. Is it not the case that Monaco want 20 mil just to take him on loan? So if it were 20 mil for an asset or investment that they could use and benefit from on a long-term long term basis and possibly sell for a profit, they could probably afford him. However, 20 mil for the opportunity to pay his huge wage for a season and then lose him with nothing in return is fairly risky (what if he gets injured, fails to adapt to the league and make an impact, or clashes with team mates in a dressing room that already clearly lacks leadership and a drive to win at all costs?) investment. We need a striker but I’m not sure this is the ideal player or situation for Arsenal.
Arsenal don’t even need a Falcao. A Manzukic or even a Wilfred Bony would have been an adequate complement to Giroud. But either out of lack of foresight or lack of money(despite pontifications to the contrary) we don’t have any. It’s going to be a long, mournful season for us hapless gooners. Pity.