Transfer News: Chelsea prioritise move for Real Madrid star Raphael Varane
According to transfer news from Sport Witness (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea are set to prioritise a summer move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who is also a target for Manchester United.
Varane has grown into one of the most accomplished defenders in the world since making the switch to Real Madrid from RC Lens in 2011. The 28-year-old has won almost every trophy he has contested for in club colours with Los Blancos and is also a World Cup winner with France.
Heading into the summer though, his future at Real Madrid is far from clear as he is entering the final year of his contract with the Spanish giants. This has sparked a lot of interest in his services, with Manchester United and Chelsea said to be among his top suitors, along with Paris Saint-Germain. (h/t Daily Star)
However, it seems like Chelsea are ready to ramp up their pursuit of the French defender as they are now said to be prioritising a move for the 28-year-old. The Blues have a well-stocked defensive unit already with Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma, even though Fikayo Tomori is set to leave.
However, it is important to note that Silva is closing in on 37 and needs his minutes managed while Azpilicueta is also well into his thirties. In addition to that, Rudiger is entering the final year of his deal and contemplating his future, thus warranting a new defender at the Bridge.
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- Transfer News: Chelsea interested in signing Gustavo Gomez
Varane, to that end, would be a world-class addition for Chelsea. At 28, he is in the peak years of his career and has the experience and know-how that will help the Blues a great deal. With Real Madrid willing to sell him for a fee of £52m it is a deal that Tuchel & co. shouldn’t miss out on.