Transfer Centre

Sunday's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup: Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Emerson Palmieri

By Andy Brent, Reporter | 24 January 2021

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Chelsea on Sunday, January 24.

The January transfer window is now open, with Chelsea continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

The Blues were the biggest spenders in the summer, splashing more than £200m, but they have been tipped to do yet more business in January as they look to bridge the gap to the leading pack in the Premier League.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Stamford Bridge.

Sunday morning's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup:

Raphael Varane 'wants to leave Real Madrid'

Real Madrid's Raphael Varane in action against Cadiz in La Liga on October 17, 2020

Raphael Varane is reportedly interested in securing a transfer away from Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a legendary career at the Bernabeu, making 335 appearances during his near decade-long period at Los Blancos.

However, according to Sport, the World Cup winner has little interest in penning a new contract with the La Liga champions.

The France international has just under 18 months remaining on his current deal, leaving Real in a position where they will have to consider offers for his signature.

The report suggests that Varane wants to take on a new challenge having already won 18 pieces of silverware at his current club.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all likely to hold an interest in the centre-back.

Manchester United, Chelsea 'monitoring Ousmane Dembele'

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele pictured in September 2020

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly both monitoring Ousmane Dembele's contract situation at Barcelona, with the attacker's future at Camp Nou far from secure.

The France international was linked with a move to United last summer, but the transfer window closed with the World Cup winner remaining in Spain.

Dembele has been a regular for Ronald Koeman's side this season, contributing six goals and three assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, but the attacker's contract is due to expire in the summer of 2022.

According to Sport, both United and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on developments at Camp Nou, with Barca allegedly reluctant to allow him to enter the final 12 months of his deal, meaning that he could be available for transfer at the end of the season.

The report, though, claims that Juventus and Bayern Munich are also admirers of the Frenchman and could make approaches either this summer or next January.

Dembele has scored 25 goals and registered 19 assists in 93 outings for Barca.