Ben Chilwell and Reece James pictured before Chelsea game
Chelsea could receive an offer for club captain Reece James next year as Real Madrid have identified the Englishman as an ideal replacement for Dani Carvajal, according to a report.
James came through the Chelsea academy before making his first-team debut in September 2019. Overall, the right wing-back has played 148 games for Chelsea, notching 11 goals and 20 assists for the club.
James has established himself as a vital player for Chelsea. Alongside left wing-back Ben Chilwell, he provides the majority of Chelsea’s width and is often relied upon to get crosses into the box for the strikers to finish off.
Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, he has once again missed several matches for Chelsea after sustaining a hamstring problem. Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful the wide man will be fit enough to make his return later this month.
James’ injury is not the only thing Chelsea need to worry about, as reports in Spain claim that Madrid are interested in him.
According to AS journalist Agustin Martin, the Spanish titans are on the lookout for a new right-back who can replace Carvajal, who is now 31 years old and heading towards the end of his time at elite level. And James is high up in Madrid’s thinking as a potential successor.
James could therefore become the second Chelsea player to leave Pochettino’s project for Los Blancos. In the summer, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga moved to the Spanish capital on loan as a replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
Reece James could follow Kepa to Real Madrid
According to the latest from Spanish source Sport, Chelsea are willing to sell Arrizabalaga to Madrid for £21.5m next year, though Carlo Ancelotti’s side will only bid as high as £15.4m.