Raphael Varane is one of the top defenders in the world. (imago Images)
According to a report by The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Express], Manchester United have made Chelsea transfer target, Raphael Varane, a priority signing this summer.
The Red Devils were focused on a deal for Jadon Sancho, a long-term transfer target. But they are now close to signing the Englishman for a £78million fee (including add-ons), which means their attention has shifted to Varane.
The French defender looks like he could depart Real Madrid this summer, with both Chelsea and United linked. But the report states that United, who are also interested in Pau Torres, have made Varane their priority.
A possible stumbling block could be the potential £400,000-a-week wage he could demand. And if that figure is true, then maybe the Blues may not be too gutted to miss out on him.
There is no denying Varane’s pedigree. He has won multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles at Madrid and is the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France.
And if the club can afford to sign him, then Varane would be a terrific addition to Chelsea’s squad. The Blues should anyway be on the lookout for a defender to sign this summer.
Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, and Thiago Silva are currently in the last 12 months of their Chelsea contract (h/t ESPN). Once we reach the summer of 2022, things could get tricky for Thomas Tuchel.
Varane could solve that headache to a great extent, but it seems like United are now serious about getting the defender.
Chelsea fans could have hoped that Fikayo Tomori is the answer to their potential centre-back problems. But even the Englishman has joined AC Milan in a permanent move (h/t ESPN). Fans would undoubtedly want the manager to strengthen in defence with the near future in mind, and it remains to be seen what route the club takes this summer.
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