Chelsea to scupper Manchester United plans by making huge bid for La Liga defender

Chelsea’s seemingly remarkable season threatened to derail on Wednesday evening as the Blues fell to defeat against Arsenal, meaning that they may have to win both of their remaining games to make sure of securing a top four spot. 

The Blues could still repeat their 2012 double and win both the FA Cup and Champions League, completing a remarkable turnaround since Thomas Tuchel arrived in January.

However, failure to beat Manchester City in the Champions League final coupled with finishing outside the top four would leave The Blues with Europa League football next term.

Off the pitch, however, Chelsea could be about to secure a sensational signing to bolster their already impressive defence ahed of a potential title challenge next season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blues are prepared to offer £61 million to lure Raphael Varane away from Real Madrid.

Tuchel is chasing defensive reinforcements despite keeping 18 clean sheets in 26 games.

The La Liga giants are not willing to sell the player, however it is understood that they will let him leave reluctantly if their valuation of him is met, such is the extent of their dire financial situation.

If they can complete a deal, Chelsea would be scuppering Manchester United’s plans, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had reportedly lined Varane up as the ideal signing for this summer.

Solskjær intends to sign a central defender this season to be a long term partner to Harry Maguire.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are not seen as suitable candidates, something which was made evident during United’s dismal 4-2 defeat against Liverpool on Thursday evening – a match Maguire missed through injury.

It has also been alleged by The Mirror, though, that United are only willing to offer £40 million for the French World Cup winner.

Varane has just a year left on his current contract and clubs are therefore hopeful that Madrid will choose to cash in on him, rather than lose him for nothing next year.

The 28-year-old has spent a decade in the Spanish capital and won 19 trophies, including four Champions League titles, but is understood to have told the club that he wants a new challenge and could therefore be allowed to leave.