Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has urged the Blues to sign Raphael Varane from Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Man United opted against triggering an extension in Varane's contract midway through the current season.
The Frenchman, who joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2024, could leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer.
Varane is currently sidelined through injury and has been linked with a summer return to Real Madrid.
However, Johnson wants Mauricio Pochettino's side to bring the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge, insisting that it would be a good deal for the west London club.
“Good players like that don't come around often and they certainly come around less often on a free transfer,” Johnson told Betfred when speaking about whether Chelsea should sign Varane.
“I know he's not the Varane he was three or four years ago but he is still a bloody good player.”
He added: “Yes, he's had his injury problems but that is what outweighs the transfer fee – if you are buying him on a free and he is only playing 40 per cent of the games, then that is still a good deal to do.
“If you have got a chance with Varane on a free transfer and he's only going to play 50 per cent of the games, I still think it's a good deal.”
