RAPHAEL VARANE TIPPED TO JOIN TWO MAN UTD TEAM-MATES BY MAKING CHELSEA TRANSFER

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has followed ex-colleague William Gallas in urging the Blues to raid Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

Gallas, who played for Arsenal and Tottenham after leaving Stamford Bridge in 2006, called on his former club to test United's resolve over high earners Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Now, Johnson also wants the London side to add experience, identifying Raphael Varane as a transfer option.

United opted against triggering an extension in Varane's contract midway through the current season. The centre-back, who joined from Real Madrid in 2024, could leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer.

The 30-year-old, who is currently sidelined through injury, has been linked with a summer return to Madrid. Johnson, however, wants Chelsea to pounce after a challenging season at the back.

"Good players like that don’t come around often and they certainly come around less often on a free transfer," Johnson told Betfred. "I know he’s not the Varane he was three or four years ago but he’s still a bloody good player.

"Yes, he’s had his injury problems but that’s what outweighs the transfer fee – if you’re buying him on a free and he’s only playing 40% of the games, then that’s still a good deal to do," he added. Varane has started just 16 league games this season amid various setbacks, but Johnson argued the French international's experience could still prove valuable.

“As we saw with Thiago Silva, those sort of players who have done everything, played for top teams and clubs, they get the attention of the dressing room and they’re the big names that the younger players want to look up to and obviously they’re great to have around,” he continued. “If you have got a chance with Varane on a free transfer and he’s only going to play 50% of the games, I still think it’s a good deal.”

Would Raphael Varane be a good signing for Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section

Unlike Varane, Fernandes and Rashford wouldn't come cheap. Despite Chelsea potentially needing to lower their spending in the summer, though, Gallas pointed to the United pair as good fits.

“Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could be good options for Chelsea," the Frenchman told Gambling Zone. "Both are quality players. Bruno could definitely be the kind of midfielder who has the quality to play in the number ten role where Chelsea lack strength.

“Chelsea are a team of young players and Bruno Fernandes has the leadership qualities to get through certain periods. He’d be a good signing if the rumours are true.”

Chelsea and United are both battling it out for a Europa League spot, with Mauricio Pochettino's team keeping their hopes alive by beating Everton on Monday night. Victory for the Blues in their game in hand would see them leapfrog seventh-placed United on goal difference, while drawing level on points with sixth-placed Newcastle.

Pochettino has indicated a need to add experience to his young squad over the summer after dropped points all but ended any hopes of Champions League qualification. The Blues conceded late goals in 2-2 draws with strugglers Burnley and Sheffield United when victories could have put them in better shape for the run-in.

"We need to bring more young players, we need to bring in some experienced players. But that is all about talking," Pochettino said ahead of the Everton game. "It's about agreeing with the club, analysing and designing the strategy for the next season and to go and fight for big things. That is really important."

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2024-04-16T11:43:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd