Summer Transfer Speculation: Raphael Varane and Two Man Utd Players Linked with Potential Move to Chelsea

 Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson has backed up comments made by ex-teammate William Gallas, urging a Manchester United raid by the Blues in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Gallas, who played for Arsenal and Tottenham post his departure from Stamford Bridge in 2006, put forward argument for his old club to raid United for both Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Now, Johnson has also identified United centre-back Raphael Varane as a potential recruit.

In an unusual turn of events this season, United decided against triggering the extension in Varane's contract. The French star, who moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in 2021, might be packing his bags as a free agent come summer.

While Varane is currently injured, there are whispers of him making a return to his former Madrid home during the summer. Yet, Johnson sees an opportunity for Chelsea as they continue to struggle defensively,

Speaking to Betfred, Johnson proposed: "Good players like that don't come around often and they certainly come around less often on a free transfer. 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. Despite starting just 16 league games this season due to various setbacks, Johnson believes Varane's wealth of experience remains invaluable.

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."

Unlike Varane, Fernandes and Rashford wouldn't come cheap. However, despite Chelsea potentially needing to tighten their belt in the summer, Gallas sees the United duo as fitting additions.

"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.