Fabrizio Romano reveals ex-Man Utd defender could link up with former Chelsea & Arsenal star at Serie A club

Fabrizio Romano has revealed Italian side Como have identified Raphael Varane as a ‘dream target’ this summer.

The defender is a free agent having departed Manchester United earlier this window and has been linked with a move to several clubs, including former side Lille.

Como offers an interesting option to Varane as the club prepare for a first Serie A campaign in 22 years after gaining promotion last season under the management of Welshman Osian Roberts. Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Csec Fabregas is assistant coach at the Lombardy-based team, while Thierry Henry is a stakeholder in the club.

They’ve also wasted no time in the transfer market this summer, and have signed ex-Italy international Andrea Belotti.

World Cup winner Varane would offer a real coup for the ambitious club who are backed by Indonesian tobacco giants Djarum, but Romano revealed a transfer is possible for the experienced defender.

“Como’s dream target for the centre back position is Raphael Varane as free agent,” he wrote on X. “

“Cesc Fabregas wants Varane and they will try to make it happen, but there are several clubs interested in Europe and abroad — not an easy one. Varane will decide his future soon.”

Varane spent three years at Old Trafford before departing at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Recurring injuries impacted the 31-year-old's spell with United, although he typically looked composed when selected.

The ex-Real Madrid star made just 32 appearances for United last season but ended his time in Manchester by winning the FA Cup at Wembley, as Erik ten Hag’s side beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the final.