Raphael Varane Rumored to Follow Two Man Utd Teammates in Making Chelsea Transfer

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has joined ex-colleague William Gallas in suggesting that the Blues should target players from Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Gallas, who represented Arsenal and Tottenham after departing Stamford Bridge in 2006, urged his former club to explore the possibility of signing high-earning stars Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford from United. Now, Johnson has echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of adding experience to the Chelsea squad and highlighting Raphael Varane as a potential transfer target.

Varane, who arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2024, did not have his contract extended by United midway through the current season. With the centre-back facing an uncertain future and linked with a return to Madrid, Johnson believes Chelsea should seize the opportunity to bolster their defensive options, especially given Varane's pedigree and experience.

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Despite currently being sidelined due to injury, the 30-year-old Varane could be available on a free transfer in the summer, presenting Chelsea with a chance to strengthen their backline after facing defensive challenges throughout the season.

"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.”

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