Chelsea Transfer News: Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane Would Complete Blues Squad

Chelsea are reportedly planning a £150 million swoop for Real Madrid duo Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane, in a move that would put the finishing touches on Jose Mourinho's already incredible squad.

According to Lorenzo Di Benedetto of Tuttomercatoweb (via Anthony Chapman of the Express), Chelsea will place the bid in an attempt to beat Manchester United to the pair's signatures.

Bale and Varane are undoubtedly top-quality talents. The pair would make the Blues squad about as complete as can be, ensuring Mourinho's charges are a huge threat in every competition next season—notably the UEFA Champions League where they failed so spectacularly this term.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Bale has struggled of late having gone eight games without a single goal or assist prior to his brace against Levante. Bleacher Report's own Guillem Balague believes the Welshman's woes originated in his lack of understanding in how a massive, global club like Real Madrid works, and the expectations that come with it.

While his recent form is still well below what would be required of him at Chelsea, the fans would be far more forgiving than those of Real, easing the considerable pressure on the 25-year-old's shoulders.

In his last outing, Bale netted both goals in the 2-0 win over Levante, and he looked more like his usual self:

Balague explained the reason for Bale's turnaround:

"

Why did he play better against Levante? Well to start with, he showed a much greater work ethic, he was involved in everything, led from the front and in fact did just what is expected of someone that cost €101 million... Madrid doctors say privately that he has such a physique that he could play two games the same night.

"

Though Chelsea fans are not as demanding as the public of Real, Mourinho would certainly demand the same work ethic from Bale, and during his time at Tottenham and for most of his Madrid career, Bale has shown he can deliver the goods consistently.

Certainly, his overall stats in the famous white shirt of Madrid still make impressive reading:

Recent struggles aside, Bale remains one of the top players in world football.

As The Guardian's Barney Ronay pointed out, Chelsea's attackers have struggled for form in recent weeks:

His addition to the Chelsea squad would add a reliable forward option, easing the reliance on Diego Costa as Chelsea's primary goal threat and adding yet more frightening pace to the side, making Chelsea as capable at counter-attacking as they are at dominating possession.

Whether Mourinho can get his man, however, is another story. According to the Press Association, via The Guardian, Bale spoke in January about his future with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser:

"

In a recent interview I was asked if I was not happy at Madrid but I told them that I am very happy here.

I have many years left on my contract. I feel the support and love of the fans at the Bernabéu stadium.

I hope I can continue to work in order to prove what I'm capable of doing on the pitch and to win as many trophies as possible. The fans are amazing. I love when we play at home.

I'm having a good time, we are winning trophies and I want to continue to do this here, at Real Madrid.

"

Of course, it's possible since then that Bale's difficult spell, in which he has often been booed and whistled by Real supporters, could change his mind. Mourinho will have to prey on that in order to tempt the Welshman to Stamford Bridge.

At the back, the Blues boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League. Even so, Varane would be an excellent acquisition.

Mourinho managed the youngster during his time with Real and knows exactly what Varane brings to the table.

As the video below demonstrates, Varane is powerful in the air, strong and comfortable in possession, making him well-suited to the rigours of the Premier League.

While John Terry has continued to play remarkably well in spite of his advancing years, Chelsea must look to the future. At 34, his time as a regular starter is surely running out, while Gary Cahill is 29.

At 21, the France international would prove an excellent long-term signing and could potentially form a partnership with Kurt Zouma, who has ably provided defensive cover for the Blues in recent months.

Also, Varane is capable of playing as a holding midfielder, meaning he would also be able to slot in alongside Nemanja Matic if necessary.

A partnership with the Serbian would be frighteningly solid.

Were Chelsea to sign Varane and Bale, it would send out a powerful message to the Blues' domestic and European rivals.

With them in the side, Mourinho's men would be a force capable of shutting games down and frightening the opposition in equal measure. Silverware next season and in years to come would be an even stronger possibility than they are now.