Chelsea Set To Sign Raphael Varane For £35m As Mourinho Gives Up On Stones

Chelsea and Jose Mourinho have started the season in very poor fashion. The reigning Premier League champions took the league by storm last term by blowing almost all the teams away before clinching the title that pundits had expected them to. However, this campaign has been less spectacular with the Blues conceding an incredible 7 goals in the first three matches of the season.

It is on the premise of their shaky backline that the Blues have targeted 21-year old Everton central defender John Stones as the cure to what ails their defence but with the Toffees unwilling to part company with the talented defender, the Stamford Bridge outfit have turned their attentions to Real Madrids 22-year old central defender Raphael Varane. The player is said to be available for £35m which is the same price Everton are demanding for John Stones but let’s face it, Varane is head and shoulder above John Stones and has much more experience.

Varane is reportedly unhappy at the Bernabeu as new boss Rafa Benitez started the season with the pair of captain Sergio Ramos and Pepe at the heart of the defence. The Metro have picked on an article from Spanish news outlet Fichajes which reports that Varane is unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu and wants to join Chelsea thereby linking up with Jose Mourinho whom he flourished under while the Portuguese was in charge. Fichajes however claim that the transfer for Varane would likely see the light of day if the Blues bid for John Stones does not go through.

Raphael Varane joined Real Madrid from Lens in 2011 and has gone on to make 66 appearances for Los Blancos.