£46m-rated Radamel Falcao heading to Chelsea?

According to Sportsmail, Chelsea believe they have won the race to land Atletico Madrid centre forward Radamel Falcao.

Talks with the Colombian’s representatives and Atletico chiefs have been ongoing for months, but Chelsea think they are close to signing him.

The London club have turned down a potential summer move for long-term target Edinson Cavani to focus on getting Falcao’s signature secured.

Roman Abramovich has given the green light to a financial package understood to be worth £200,000 a week and will also meet Atletico’s £46million asking price.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibault Courtois is central to the transfer negotiations. The Belgian has impressed on a season-long loan at Atletico and the Spanish club are keen to keep the 20-year-old.

Chelsea are so committed to signing the Falcao, 27, this summer that they have spurned the chance to negotiate a deal for Cavani, 26. The Uruguayan has long been a favourite of owner Abramovich and technical director Michael Emenalo.