Real Madrid have set their sights on Chelsea full back Reece James, per reports.
Los Blancos are known for making bold transfer moves and while a move for James may not be considered bold, pulling it off will be considered a statement. A statement that boldy reads, “When Real Madrid calls, they answer”.
James came through Chelsea’s Cobham academy and has quickly become a stalwart of the side. The 22-year-old has only been a senior professional for three years and is currently considered as one of the best fullbacks in the world.
The young Englishman has been so vital to the club that his absence usually leaves holes which they struggle to fill. Chelsea have, as a result, placed the defender on their untouchables list but Madrid are making the bold move to change that status quo.
That signing, however, is being planned for the 2023 summer transfer window according to reports. Madrid have already successfully lured James’ Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudiger to the Santiago Bernabeu and are currently focused on Kylian Mbappe.
But James is also a target for many clubs which makes the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners’ aim of signing the English defender in 2023 a little bit unrealistic. Still, it shows the confidence of the Spanish giants in the transfer market.
Chelsea to fight for James
James will be a huge loss to Thomas Tuchel and the club are ready to fight to keep the 22-year-old at Stamford Bridge.
They are currently embroiled in an ownership tussle between billionaire bidders who are working to convince Roman Abramovich and Raine Group to seek the club to them. This tussle has handicapped the club, who have no financial capacity to enter into negotiations with any of their players.
This gives room for other clubs to swoop in and convince their preferred target to join them instead. James could be convinced to leave Chelsea as he is in the mid-tier of earnings at the club. His current contract runs out in 2025, however, which means that Chelsea will demand a fee which will be enough to scare suitors away for the defender.
It is also understood that some suitors have approached James to pitch to him the idea of running down his current contract and not accepting any renewal offers from The Blues in favour of a big payday at their clubs.
Chelsea’s new owners will have to convince the defender who has already tasted considerable success in the UEFA Champions League, to remain at the club beyond 2023.
