Sol Campbell has implored Arsenal to hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of Raphael Varane as the Real Madrid superstar closes in on a move to the Premier League, while speaking to talkSPORT (26 July, 11:00am).
In the space of one summer, Real Madrid look set to lose two World Cup winners, a pair of highly-decorated centre-halves who have lifted a combined 40 trophies between them during silver-coated spells at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After Sergio Ramos completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain, Varane is understood to have rejected a new contract, looking for a fresh start following a decade of dominance in the Spanish capital.
Goal reports that Manchester United are closing in on a deal that will see the £47 million-rated Frenchman join Jadon Sancho in England’s north west.
Interesingly, Varane was conspicuous by his absence as Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Scottish champions Rangers on Sunday.
Campbell, however, feels Varane’s experience, quality and fierce winning mentality would work wonders at an Arsenal side who finished outside the European places for the first time in 25 years during Mikel Arteta’s first full season at the helm.
Could Arsenal partner Ben White with Raphael Varane or Jerome Boateng?
“It’s got to be Varane,” the Arsenal ‘Invincible’ said when asked to name his dream signing for the Gunners.
“What he’s won in the game, what experience he brings. He can teach the other guys around him. He’s young enough, he’s had a wonderful career at Real Madrid. Bring him in! Bring in quality with experience.
“Forget about the price-tag, he is going to command. If you want to build, you bring Ben White in but you also bring Varane in.”
With Arsenal already committed to spending £50 million on Brighton star White, Campbell also highlighted a more affordable option with Jerome Boateng now a free agent after his departure from Bayern Munich.
“There’s Boateng out there. He’s leaving Bayern. Those are the deals you should be getting through!
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