Benteke seen as ideal replacement for Monaco-bound Colombian.
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is being targeted by Atletico Madrid as a potential replacement for the out-going Radamel Falcao, according to The Sun.
Benteke, 22, scored 23 goals in an impressive debut season in the Premier League, with his goals effectively helping to keep the club away from the threat of relegation.
However, his overall impressive performances have garnered interest from some of the biggest clubs around Europe, with Atletico amongst the group.
The Spaniards are reportedly set to sell star striker Radamel Falcao to Monaco in the forthcoming days, in a deal worth almost £50m.
As a result, they will have the financial strength to go out and land their primary target, who could be swayed by the appeal of playing in La Liga and the Champions League.
The Belgian international recently stated that Villa would not be able to keep him against his will, and that he would like to “get the most out of my career”.
Despite boss Paul Lambert maintaining that the star striker will not be leaving this summer, it appears as though the two parties may be in for a summer of discontent should Benteke continue to push for a move.
There are a whole host of Premier League sides also interested in acquiring him, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham also paying close attention over the future of the former Genk hitman who signed in a £7m deal last year.
However, it appears Atletico have made him their primary target at the end of the season, and will look to swoop once the deal taking Falcao to France is completed.
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