Chelsea join Man United in race to sign 27-year-old La Liga superstar

Transfer News: Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Raphael Varane

According to news from Christian Falk of BILD (h/t Express), Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

Varane has been a stalwart at the back for Real Madrid for almost a decade now and has won loads of titles and trophies during his time at the club. However, the Frenchman is entering the final year of his contract with Los Blancos and wants a new challenge in his career.

As a result, there could very well be a parting of ways on the cards this summer, with Manchester United said to be keen on signing the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. In fact, talks between the two parties were already said to be at advanced stages.

However, Falk (h/t Express), has now claimed that Chelsea are set to rival the Red Devils in the transfer race for Varane.

The Blues’ have shown massive improvement in defence since Thomas Tuchel took over the reins. However, Thiago Silva will soon be turning 37 years old while Cesar Azpilicueta is also well into his thirties.

Plus with Fikayo Tomori’s future far from clear, signing another centre-back would be a smart move from Chelsea. Varane, to that end, can be a solid addition to the squad, given his exploits and achievements with Real Madrid.

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Chelsea should get a closer look at their transfer target, Varane, when the Blues face off against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

Manchester United’s presence in the race to sign him from Madrid does complicate matters for the Blues. It now remains to be seen if there is any move made to seal the transfer of Varane.