Transfer News: Chelsea given boost in pursuit of Real Madrid star Raphael Varane
According to transfer news from Fichajes (h/t Football.london), Chelsea have been handed a boost in the race to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid as the La Liga giants have identified a replacement for the Frenchman.
Varane has grown into one of the best central defenders in the game during his ten-year stint in Spain. The 28-year-old has won every trophy he has competed for with the Merengues and even went on to lift the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018.
Entering the final year of his contract with Real Madrid, Varane has been strongly linked with an exit, with Chelsea emerging as one of the suitors for the centre-back. The Blues have a well-stocked defensive unit as things stand with Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen all available at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal.
However, Silva will be turning 37 in a few months while Azpilicueta himself is no spring chicken either. So, bringing in another accomplished defender like Varane would be a fine move by Chelsea. And, it seems like the Blues have received a huge boost in their pursuit of the Frenchman.
Only earlier this month, Spanish broadcaster Josep Pedrerol had revealed that Real Madrid are resigned to losing Varane this summer and would demand a fee of £51.8m. Now, it is being claimed that Los Blancos are preparing for life without Frenchman by identifying a replacement for him, in the form of Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana. (h/t Football.london)
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While that is indeed welcome news for Chelsea, the Blues must be aware that even Manchester United are lurking to sign Varane in the summer transfer window. As a result, the club must move swiftly if they are to beat the Red Devils to capture the signing of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.