Chelsea looking at free agent Raphael Varane to fill the void left by Thiago Silva | OneFootball

Manchester United are in the process of revamping their backline after a disastrous season which has left them in eighth place in the Premier League with the club conceding a record 84 goals in all competitions.

Raphael Varane has already announced his departure on social media while reports indicate Jonny Evans could follow suit with the club unlikely to offer him a new deal.

Both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have also been linked with exits this summer and the club could be forced to bring in more than one centre-back.

As for the Frenchman, there is interest in his service mainly from the cash-rich Saudi Pro League as well as from Turkey and back home in France but Fichajes have added an interesting name into the mix.

Varane’s future

They have claimed that Chelsea, who are all set to lose experienced stalwart Thiago Silva, could look to the World Cup winner to fill the void left by the Brazilian.

Mauricio Pochettino could offer the 31-year-old the chance to remain in England as well as attractive wages and it will be interesting to see what Varane chooses to do.

“Chelsea have set their sights on Manchester United defender Raphael Varane to fill the void left by the departure of Thiago Silva at the end of the season. The Blues see Varane, who will be free after not renewing his contract with United, as the ideal candidate to provide experience and solidity to their defensive line.

“Raphael Varane, 31, has been identified as the perfect replacement. The Frenchman has an impressive career and has proven his worth at both Real Madrid and Manchester United. His availability as a free agent makes signing him an attractive opportunity for Chelsea, despite the high wages that could be involved.

“The competition for Varane will not be easy. Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and Juventus are also interested in the French defender. Al-Nassr could tempt Varane with a lucrative contract and the chance to reunite with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

“For its part, Juventus offers the opportunity to compete in Serie A, although it may not match the financial offers of Chelsea or the Saudi club.”

Chelsea want Varane

It must be remembered that at one point, the former France international was open to retiring at Old Trafford but INEOS did not allow that to happen.

Despite having a one-year extension option, the club refused to trigger it, much to the disappointment of the four-time Champions League winner.

Juventus have also been linked with a move and while they can offer Champions League football, they cannot hope to match the wages on offer at Stamford Bridge. Whether Varane chooses to stay back in the English top flight and prove the new regime wrong remains to be seen.

When fit, the former Real Madrid superstar is an absolute monster at the back. However, since his move to Manchester, injuries have plagued him a lot and considering the centre-back’s wages, INEOS thought it best to cut ties.

Whether this decision comes back to bite the Red Devils will be interesting to see.

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