The French central defender has been the one player that always seems to pop in the headlines when it comes to Chelsea. Undoubtedly because of the link with Jose Mourinho. It was Jose Mourinho that signed Varane from Lens to Real Madrid in 2011 for a fee of around £10 million. Back in 2013 a serious of knee injuries put scrutiny over his long term future at Madrid.
Since Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea it has been suggested that he could turn to his old employee’s for Varane. It looked unlikely in his first season, with Terry, Cahill and Luiz all in contention, not to forget Kurt Zouma whom would be joining at the start of the following season.
However since the sale of Luiz to PSG, Chelsea are only left with Terry, Cahill and Zouma. Something that could leave us short in the near future. Chelsea so far this season have been very fortunate and avoided any serious injuries. Because of this Mourinho has been able to name the same back four for the majority of our games this season, making the odd change here and there.
Prior to the festive period, many would have thought it would have been almost unheard of for Chelsea to require a fourth central defender. Given that they boast one of the best defensive records in the League, letting in just nineteen goals all season so far. Only Southampton have conceded less (15). However the fixture congestion has seemingly got the better of Chelsea and it has shown in our defensive performances.
Gary Cahill’s form of late has been questionable after disappointing performances against the likes of Tottenham. Leading to Kurt Zouma getting his break in the team and putting in some fantastic performances in the short time he has played this season. Cahill’s drop in form has highlighted that Chelsea could be left short in centre of defence. Not only if form drops, could injuries become a factor later down the line.
If Chelsea were to pursue Varane, it would increase the competition for places. Something I think all the players at the big clubs need. By no means is the end of Gary Cahill and by no means have we already seen the best of him. Just a small remainder of who’s behind him and to keep everyone on their toes.
Should Chelsea acquire Varane, they would be picking up a relatively experienced central defender for someone who is only twenty one years of age. Varane has represented France at every level from Under 18’s right up to the senior squad. He has accumulated over fifteen international appearances and is rapidly approaching his 50th start for Real Madrid. He has already played in the Champions League final as Real Madrid captured ‘La Decima’ and in the World Cup for France, were he was voted on a three man shortlist for Young Player of the Tournament.
Varane is best known for his quick speed and hard tackling. He would defiantly be able to add something to the Chelsea defence. With strength in depth being questions as well as the long term future of this defence. Varane would defiantly solve both of those two issues. Rumours have been speculating that the Frenchman has a £25 million release clause. Which is the same figure Chelsea paid in 2011 for David Luiz.
With John Terry looking ever more likely to sign a one year contract extension I believe Varane could be a great signing, especially for the long term. By adding strength in depth and competition for places it would tighten up our defence for defiant. Having seen both Manchester City and United suffer at the cost of a poor defence in recent seasons, we know how very important it can be when challenging for the tittle.
