Chelsea's defensive record since Thomas Tuchel took charge in January has been fantastic. After keeping another clean sheet during Saturday's visit to the London Stadium the Blues now have 16 in Tuchel's first 21 games as manager.
Despite this defensive solidity Tuchel and transfer chief Marina Granovskaia are reported to be in the market for a centre-back this summer with Raphael Varane now touted as their main target. That is according to Bild's head of football Christian Falk.
The German transfer expert claimed that Varane is "No.1 on the shortlist of Chelsea FC," for a summer transfer to Stamford Bridge as Tuchel looks to put his own mark on the Blues squad.
World Cup winner Varane has a little over 12 months remaining on his contract, a fact that could see Real Madrid look for a deal in the region of £60 million.
Manchester United have in the past been linked with a move for Varane but with Eric Bailly signing a new deal at the club on Monday and their interest in Joules Kounde, Chelsea's path to Varane could be clear.
Tuchel will get a first-hand view of Varane on Tuesday night when Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The game takes place at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Real's training complex due to renovation work on their home ground the Santiago Bernabeu.
Varane gave his own thoughts on a move away from Real Madrid ahead of the clash with Chelsea, the defender said.
"My future is clear, I am focused on the end of the season. We are in an intense moment and all our focus is on the matches we have ahead.
"The message to the fans is that I am 100 per cent committed to the team. We have challenges that encourage us a lot. I am focused on giving everything on the field."
Varane might be focused on Real Madrid until the end of this season but the defender made no mention of the next campaign leading to speculation he could be open for a move away from the Spanish giants.
