Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in recent weeks.
According to Christian Falk, Chelsea have now joined the race for the Frenchman.
TRUE ✅ Manchester United have a competitor in the Transfer-Poker for @raphaelvarane Thomas Tuchel is also interested in the Player of @realmadrid for a Transfer to @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/bxkRyym0uo
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) April 16, 2021
The Blues need to add quality defensive reinforcements this summer, and Varane would be a quality signing for them.
Cesar Azpilicueta is declining, while Kurt Zouma has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.
Chelsea cannot rely on Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger to see them through an entire season, and they must look to add more depth to their defensive unit.
SL View: Varane could have a Van Dijk-esque impact
The 27-year-old has a contract with Madrid until the summer of 2022, and Los Blancos could be forced to sell him if he refuses to sign an extension.
The Spanish outfit will not want to lose the World Cup winner on a free transfer next year, and it would make sense to cash in on him in the coming weeks.
Chelsea and United both have the financial muscle to pull off the transfer, but their final league positions could determine who wins the race for Varane.
United look nailed on to qualify for the Champions League, but the Blues are currently in fifth place with seven games to play.
The French international will want to play in Europe’s top club competition, and Chelsea need to finish in the top four to have a chance of securing his services.
United and Chelsea are a couple of world-class signings away from truly competing for the Premier League title, and the Madrid star could make a big difference for either side next season.
Varane could have a Virgil van Dijk-esque impact on either club. He is at the peak of his powers right now and has the ability to make an immediate impact.
Read: Chelsea vs Manchester City preview – Team News & Predicted Line-ups.
