Chelsea will prioritise renewing terms with Reece James soon by handing him a bumper new contract amid interest from Real Madrid.
According to a report by 90 min, Chelsea will aim to tie Reece James to a bumper new contract ahead of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old defender is a target for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos recently contacting him over a possible move ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Reece James has established himself as a pivotal figure for Chelsea since breaking through the glass ceiling at Stamford Bridge at the onset of the 2019/20 season. The English international has come leaps and bounds in the last three years, with fans and pundits alike rating him as one of the best full-backs in Europe.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 season, amassing six goals and seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. James’s exploits in the last few years have not gone unnoticed, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, setting their sights on him over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
The interest from Real Madrid comes in the wake of Dani Carvajal’s waning performance levels this season. The Spanish international has struggled for consistency since recovering from a spate of injuries in the past year, with his displays in big games leaving a lot to be desired.
Ancelotti does not have another natural right-back at his disposal apart from Carvajal, utilising Lucas Vazquez and Nacho as makeshift options when the veteran is unavailable. But neither Spaniard has been impressive enough this season, prompting the Real Madrid manager to turn his attention towards an out and out right-back like Reece James.
The Chelsea defender has reportedly become a priority target for Real Madrid, but the Blues are keen on securing his long-term future. Chelsea will prioritise tying James down to a bumper new contract. While the English international’s current deal runs until June 30, 2025, he is one of the lowest-paid players at Stamford Bridge.
James is also ready to commit his long-term future to Chelsea, meaning Real Madrid might need to set sights on alternatives if they do not intensify their efforts to land him. Los Blancos recently contacted the Chelsea defender over a possible summer transfer. But a move to Real Madrid will unlikely see the light of day for James.