Chelsea Given Huge Boost in Radamel Falcao Pursuit

Chelsea have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao, as the Spanish side's manager Diego Simeone has admitted it would be difficult for the club to hold on the striker beyond this summer.

Chelsea have long been linked with a move for the former Porto man, while Atletico's arch-rivals Real Madrid and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing the forward this summer. Simeone's latest comments are suggest Falcao could be nearing the exit at the Vicente Calderon.

"It will be very difficult to keep Falcao, but it would be a wonderful thing," talkSPORT quoted Atletico's manager as saying on Tutto Mercato Web.

The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for the Spanish capital club, scoring 27 goals from 21 appearances in all competitions this season. The Colombian caught the eyes of several top European clubs in recent times and is currently considered as one of the hottest properties in world football.

The European champions have been keen on bringing Falcao to Stamford Bridge. The Blues could also use Thibaut Courtois, who is currently on loan with Atletico, as a bait to sign the Colombian at the end of the season.

However, signing the forward will not be an easy task for Chelsea as Spanish champions Real are also keen on Falcao. In addition to this, his father revealed the player dreams of playing for Los Blancos.

Azpilicueta Backs Real Striker

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has backed Karim Benzema's decision of not singing the France national anthem. The Real striker earlier admitted that he will not sing his country's national anthem, for which he received criticism from the extremists. However, the Spaniard believes it is the player's choice whether or not to sing the anthem.

"I have seen so many players that have not sung [the anthem], and it seems more a personal issue to do with the player involved. I know what France is like and these situations matter. There are many different opinions on this, but it's true that they are changing. At the end of the day, they are just opinions and it is a player's personal choice," Azpilicueta told Goal.com.