According to Marca, Real Madrid are ready to sell talented center-back Raphael Varane this summer as the clock continues to tick down on his Bernabeu contract. The Spanish giants have so far failed to die him down to a new deal and will thus let him go in the upcoming transfer window should no extension be agreed.
The Frenchman, who played an integral part in Les Bleus' 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph, signed his current contract back in 2017. However, he will be entering the final year of his deal – it runs until June 2022 – and could leave for free if his Spanish employers do not cash in on him at the end of the season.
Los Merengues' preference is to extend his contract. However, with Varane reportedly favoring a move to the Premier League, Florentino Perez would accept a bid of $60M. Man United and PSG were keen on signing the Frenchman in 2019 and would likely reignite their interest, with Chelsea and Juventus tipped to enter the race.
This will be worrying to Real Madrid fans for two reasons. Firstly, Varane has been a crucial figure in the Bernabeu backline, being Sergio Ramos' reliable sidekick throughout their recent success. Secondly, with Ramos out of contract this summer and tipped to leave Los Blancos, the Spanish giants could be devastated by the loss of two key defenders.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial crisis it has brought upon the entire world, the Spanish Primera Division title holders might struggle to replace them. David Alaba is set to leave Bayern Munich for free in a few months and has been on Madrid's radar, but the player is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, meaning Zidane and Co. may have to search elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
