Aniket Rai
Transfer News: Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Joachim Andersen
According to a report by Sun (h/t Metro), Manchester United and Chelsea are both interested in a transfer move for Joachim Andersen, who plays for Lyon in Ligue 1.
The Ligue 1 centre-back is familiar to the Premier League as he spent the last season on loan at Fulham. The Cottagers were relegated but he is expected to join an English side in the summer. (h/t Metro)
The 25-year-old is cited as an alternative to top transfer targets such as Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde. Any deal for him could see the potential suitor dish out £25million, which seems like a reasonable sum in today’s market.
The news of Chelsea’s involvement comes after a report by Foot Mercato (h/t The Express), as covered by WeAllFollowUnited, stated that United have earmarked Andersen as a cheaper alternative to Real Madrid’s Varane.
Varane or Andersen?
This deal does make sense financially for United, but they should not be losing their sleep if the Blues beat them to the Danish international. Raphael Varane is one of the best defenders in Europe and has seemingly won everything there is to win.
The 28-year-old is arguably still in the prime of his career and can offer some of his best years to United. Playing for Fulham and United are also two completely different things.
The Red Devils would be challenging for trophies on all fronts next season while the Cottagers just wanted to secure safety in the Premier League, which they couldn’t. He could turn out to be a very able defender who warrants any fee that Lyon command.
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But for now, the Red Devils should pursue the option that takes them closer to being title challengers, at least until they know that a deal for that player becomes impossible. And Varane is one signing that can help break Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s trophy duck at Old Trafford.
