Chelsea were reportedly considering an audacious swap deal involving Reece James and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.
A report from Defensa Central has claimed that Chelsea offered Reece James in a deal to sign Real Madrid utility man Federico Valverde. But the Merengues have turned down the proposal, stating that the 25-year-old midfielder is not for sale.
Chelsea Offered Reece James in Deal to Sign Federico Valverde
Valverde is one of the best players in La Liga, and he has been an indispensable asset for Real Madrid. So, it is hardly a surprise that they do not want to sell him anytime soon. Meanwhile, James has been linked with a move to the Spanish club.
Real Madrid have reportedly been looking at him as a potential replacement for Dani Carvajal, who is in the twilight stages of his career. James has been a quality defender for Chelsea in the Premier League, and there is no doubt that he would have been a superb addition to the Real Madrid defence as well.
However, the Chelsea captain has had his fair share of injury problems, and he will need to get over his fitness concerns to join an elite club like Real Madrid. The Spanish giants will not want to invest in a player with availability concerns.
As for Valverde, the Uruguayan is entering the peak years of his career, and Real Madrid will not want to lose him in the near future. Chelsea will probably have to look elsewhere if they want to sign a quality box-to-box midfielder.
Valverde would have been an exceptional addition to the Chelsea midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. He would have added defensive cover, drive and goals to the side. He is also capable of playing anywhere in the midfield as well as higher up the pitch.
Chelsea do not have a midfielder like him and he would have added a new dimension to the side. The 25-year-old has helped Real Madrid win major trophies already, and he will want to build a legacy at the Spanish club now.
Chelsea are going through a rough patch, and they need quality players to get back to the top of English football again. They missed out on Champions League qualification last season and judging by their performances so far this season, they could miss out on a top-four finish yet again. Mauricio Pochettino must look to make the most of the January transfer window and plug the gaps in his squad.
