Chelsea Transfer News: Mauro Icardi Contract Blow, Fresh Raphael Varane Rumours

Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane are two of the brightest emerging talents in European football, and there have been apparent developments in the future of each player as Chelsea continue to pursue their respective signatures.

Icardi has shone at the sharp end of the Inter attack this season, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), he's agreed a new four-year deal with the Milan giants worth €3 million per year.

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Here’s a look at why Icardi is one of Serie A’s most feared forwards:

Indeed, while it’s been a season of peaks and troughs for Inter, it’s been a breakthrough campaign for Icardi, prompting links to the likes of the Blues and Manchester United, per Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express. So far, he’s netted 14 goals in Serie A, per WhoScored.com, and will be a key man as Inter push for a Champions League spot.

Despite interest from illustrious names, football writer David Amoyal thinks that it’s imperative Inter do their utmost to keep hold of the forward:

Icardi’s physical presence, clinical finishing and refined hold-up play would make him a fine stylistic replacement for Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge.

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But it’s imperative he continues to get playing time, and with Diego Costa currently tearing it up in a system that typically accommodates one forward, the 22-year-old has made the right decision to extend his stay with the Nerazzurri.

The Blues have also reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of centre-back Varane, but he could apparently still be on his way to the Premier League. According to Chapman of the Daily Express, the French defender will snub Chelsea and Arsenal in order to sign for Manchester United.

Here’s a look at why Varane is rated as one of the best young defenders on the planet:

According to the piece, Louis van Gaal will set aside £30 million to bring the defender to Old Trafford as he looks to bolster his defensive options for next season. But for a player of Varane’s stature and eventual potential, that’s surely not enough to prise him out of Los Blancos’ grasp.

Indeed, you have to wonder why Real would even consider selling a young man who will surely go on to become one of the world’s very best defenders. As noted here by M.A.J, Los Blancos typically thrive when the 21-year-old is in the starting XI too:

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In all competitions, Varane has won 25 of the 30 matches he has played in. His previous best was the 21 wins that he enjoyed in 2012/13.

— M.A.J (@UltraSuristic) February 25, 2015"

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Varane would obviously be a superb acquisition for Chelsea, but a Madrid sale at this juncture would make little sense. The Frenchman will surely take the eventual spot in the team left by the ageing Pepe once Carlo Ancelotti sees fit, and although the Premier League commands a certain degree of gravitas, it doesn’t top the allure of the Santiago Bernabeu.

With apparent disappointment on two potential targets, there is good news regarding one of Chelsea’s current stars. According to The Sun (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), the Blues will offer the imperious Nemanja Matic a new £100,000-a-week deal after some magnificent displays this season.

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WhoScored.com recently illustrated just how important he is for Mourinho’s men:

Despite only rejoining the club in January 2014, there are few who would disagree with the notion that Matic is a player who deserves a new deal. The Serbian’s indomitable presence at the base of the Blues midfield is incomparable anywhere in the league, and his defensive skill set allows the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Willian to flourish.

Since his return to the club, the Serbian has settled seamlessly into the heart of this midfield. For a manager like Jose Mourinho who places a high value on defensive traits, Matic is arguably the first name on the Chelsea teamsheet.