Talks On Going As Chelsea Is On The Verge Of Signing €35m Rated La Liga Star

Chelsea has been linked to multiple center backs throughout the course of this season, most notably Mats Hummels, Nicolas Otamendi and Nathaniel Clyne. But one of the most heavily linked players is Raphael Varane, and there is news of a huge boost in the race for the Frenchman’s signature. Varane, who plays at Real Madrid, has seen his playing time limited by playing behind both Sergio Ramos and Pepe. José Mourinho actually helped break the young defender through during his spell at Real Madrid, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the two join forces again.

Varane was reported to be unsettled by his lack of matches, and most of that is due to his manager, Carlo Ancelotti and teammate, Pepe. Ancelotti rates Pepe very highly, and doesn’t allow Varane to develop his skills in the first team. Varane would most likely push Gary Cahill for his starting position next to John Terry. But as hard as it is to admit, John Terry’s time at Stamford Bridge is coming to a close. If he struggles next year, it may be his last, and Varane would be a perfect replacement for the storied captain.

But Real Madrid has now opened contract extension talks with Pepe, after resigning Varane to a long-term deal earlier in the season. It wouldn’t be surprising if rumors surrounding Varane’s departure sped up if a deal is reached between Pepe and Real Madrid, because if Pepe does extend his deal, then it will surely mark the end of Varane’s time at the Santiago Bernabéu.  Varane would cost Chelsea somewhere around €35million because of his new contract.

Varane would be a good signing, better than Nicolas Otamendi and Mats Hummels at least. But Nathaniel Clyne proposes an interesting debate, because he is only 24 years old, two years older than Varane, but he has experience in the Premier League, something that shows to be more and more important every day. Signings from different leagues normally take some time to adapt to the English game, and Varane may need the time to adjust. As we are seeing with Juan Cuadrado, some players are maybe just not fit for England.