Chelsea
Chelsea Tipped To Move For Real Madrid Ace After Failing With £20m Defender Bid
Chelsea are being tipped to step up their interest in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane after failing in their attempts to sign Atletico Madrid defender Miranda
The summer transfer window is now well under way and managers are working hard to strengthen their squads ahead of next season, so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Chelsea could move for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
Image: Express
Chelsea are being tipped to step up their interest in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane after failing in their attempts to sign Atletico Madrid defender Miranda, according to reports.
Despite Jose Mourinho insisting his transfer business is finished this summer, speculation continues to link the Portuguese coach with a move for another defender.
Reports last week suggested the Blues boss had made a £20m bid for Atletico centre-back Miranda after being impressed by the Brazilian’s performances in helping Diego Simeone’s side land the La Liga title last season.
However, the Express claims that Miranda has snubbed a potential switch to Stamford Bridge as the 29-year-old wants to remain in Spain and will now sign a new contract extension to keep him at the Vicente Calderon.
The newspaper suggests that this set-back is likely to see Mourinho step up his interest in Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane. Chelsea were also strongly linked with the French youngster last month with reports suggesting the 21-year-old was unsettled at the Bernabeu due to a lack of first team football while the Express also state that he’s not happy with his current wages.
Mourinho was in charge when Varane was signed by Madrid and he’s never hidden his admiration for the player, calling him the best defender in the world back in March.
“I think Varane is the best central defender in the world. He is still young, but I think he’s the best. Already, yes. I think he’s the best defender.” Mourinho said.
source: Goal
Judging by his assessment of Varane, it’s safe to say Mourinho would most likely jump at the chance of luring the French international to Stamford Bridge if the opportunity presented itself, but it remains to be seen whether Madrid would let him leave.
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Carlo Ancelotti has favoured Sergio Ramos and Pepe at the heart of his defence but Varane is still highly-rated within the club and they may try and keep him by promising the youngster more game-time during the coming season, which would likely end any hope of a move to Chelsea.
