Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic has completed a loan move to AS Monaco, and will spend the 2015-16 campaign with the Ligue 1 heavyweights, as the Pensioners close in on the signing of Radamel Falcao.
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Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Thursday evening that the Croatian youngster had completed a move to the Club of the Principality, having travelled to Monaco with his agents Federico Pastorello and Vincenzo Cavaliere.
The central midfielder may have been brought to the club as a replacement for Geoffrey Kondogbia, whose departure for Inter Milan was confirmed last week [Sky Sports].
The powerhouse French international had been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly interested in the 20-year-old over the last few months [Express].
Pasalic, like Kondogbia, boasts an imposing frame, and could be a valuable presence in the heart of the park for Monaco as they look to flourish in both the Champions League and the French top flight.
The 20-year-old Croatian midfielder, who was born in Mainz, is a talented operator who can pass with either foot and can be effective both offensively and defensively.
Pasalic arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2014, having previously featured for Hajduk Split in his homeland.
He spent last season on loan in Spain, with Elche, managing 31 appearances in La Liga, contributing three goals in the process.
At international level, the midfielder made his Croatia debut in September 2014, having previously featured for the nation at various youth levels.
Chelsea had previously sought to offer several youth players to Leonardo Jardim’s side in order to lower the fee demanded by Monaco for Falcao’s loan signing.
The Daily Mail report that Pasalic’s transfer to the Stade Louis II is a part payment on Falcao’s transfer, which is expected to be completed imminently.