Chelsea centre back rumors: Raphaël Varane, Ibrahima Konaté, Pau Torres, Anel Ahmedhodžić latest

RAPHAËL VARANE

Raphaël Varane looks set to leave Real Madrid, maybe, after a trophy-laden decade in search of fresh pastures and new challenges. According to Marca, Real are still trying to keep him and have started contract negotiations, and even though they’re optimistic that an agreement will be reached, the player’s camp don’t appear to be as certain.

Varane knows that he can secure a bigger pay packet elsewhere — just as Sergio Ramos can — as per Goal, with Real reeling from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this could prove to be a boost for Chelsea, with the World Cup-winner’s current contract expiring in 2022.

IBRAHIMA KONATÉ

In order to replace Varane, one target Real Madrid are apparently considering is Chelsea-linked Ibrahima Konaté of RB Leipzig, as per Diario AS. Barcelona, too, are said to be interested in the 21-year-old’s services as they try to shore up their defense.

Real have supposedly followed Konaté’s progress for more than a year, with Zinedine Zidane said to be a main proponent for his signing. Despite Konaté’s release clause set at €45m, they apparently feel that they can sign him for around €25-30m.

PAU TORRES

One more centre back whom Chelsea are reportedly keeping an eye on is Pau Torres of Villarreal. According to ESPN, the Blues will face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United for the Spain international’s signature, with the Red Devils adding him to their summer wishlist.

United apparently feel that the 6-foot-3 Torres is well-suited to the physicality of the Premier League, and have been in touch with his entourage. Torres has a €65m release clause in his contract, but that figure could drop if Villarreal are unable to qualify for next season’s European competitions. They are currently 7th in La Liga, one place and two points behind the last European spot.

ANEL AHMEDHODŽIĆ

Anel Ahmedhodžić was frequently mentioned in the Chelsea rumor mill earlier in the season, however it was always unlikely that we ever had any concrete interest in him. According to Bergamo News, the Bosnian international is in fact set to sign for Serie A side Atalanta in a €7.8m deal, with the player himself confirming a potential move recently.

Chelsea, along with Manchester United were said to be scouting the player, but neither club made any official moves towards signing him.