Transfer News: Chelsea named among potential suitors for Raphael Varane
Transfer News: Raphael Varane has become the latest centre-back to be linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Blues are keeping close tabs on the World Cup winner’s contract situation at Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract with the Los Blancos at the end of the season, fuelling speculation over his long-term future at the Bernabeu.
Madrid are yet to address Varane’s situation as they are currently preoccupied with arranging a new deal for Sergio Ramos, who is out of contract next summer.
As per the report, Varane’s unresolved contract scenario at Madrid has put several clubs across the continent on red alert. Premier League giants Chelsea and Man United are joined by PSG and Juventus in the race to snap up the Frenchman for a potentially knockdown price.
It is also claimed that a fee of around €50million could be enough to tempt the La Liga giants into parting company with Varane if he doesn’t sign a new contract. The report adds that the World Cup winner could be willing to embrace a change after winning almost everything over the course of his tenure at Madrid.
Chelsea’s interest in signing a new centre-back in the summer has been well-documented since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel at the helm. The German’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has seen the Blues getting linked with Bundesliga stars Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Niklas Sule in recent weeks.
Chelsea should definitely keep an eye on market opportunities to bolster their backline. Thiago Silva is understood to be keen to renew his contract after making a big impact in his first season at the club. However, the Brazilian doesn’t represent a long-term option even if he stays put, given that he’s already 36.
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- Rio Ferdinand surprised Reece James is not a regular feature for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea
- Michael Ballack backs Timo Werner to rediscover his goalscoring touch at Chelsea
Varane ticks plenty of boxes at Stamford Bridge as a proven performer and a serial winner at the highest level in Europe. Still only 27, it would be a massive steal for Chelsea if they do manage to get a deal over the line for him next summer.
