Chelsea defender Reece James is reportedly attracted by the idea of joining Real Madrid and moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Reece James is open to sealing a move to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. But Chelsea will aim to keep hold of their prized asset amid the English international’s links with Los Blancos.
Reece James has been one of the protagonists in Chelsea’s recently changed outlook towards giving their academy graduates the chance to shine in the first-team setup. Along with Mason Mount, the 22-year-old has established himself as a pivotal figure for the Blues and has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign thus far.
The English international has chipped in with six goals and seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. James’s steep progress in the last few years has not gone unnoticed, with some of the most high profile clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid is hardly surprising, considering Dani Carvajal has endured a tough 2021/22 season. Even though the Merengues have enjoyed a successful campaign thus far, the veteran Spanish international has been one of the few players who have left a lot to be desired.
The issue for Carlo Ancelotti is that he does not have another natural right-back in his squad, as Alvaro Odriozola is on loan at Fiorentina and will likely depart from the Santiago Bernabeu on a permanent move in the summer transfer window. As a result, the Real Madrid boss has had to rely on Lucas Vazquez and Nacho as makeshift right-backs, with neither Spaniard being convincing enough this term.
Real Madrid will thus need to invest in a top-notch right-back in the summer transfer window, with James emerging on their radar. Recent reports have also claimed that the Chelsea defender is a priority target for Real Madrid. And according to Defensa Central, James is open to leaving Chelsea to join Los Blancos in the summer transfer window.
But Chelsea should put up a strong resistance throughout the two months of the window, with recent reports suggesting they are ready to offer James a bumper new contract. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga shapes up in the coming months, with the Chelsea defender becoming a priority target for Real Madrid.