La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly willing to cough up €40 million to sign Chelsea captain Reece James.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Reece James is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Recent updates have painted a contradictory picture of the links between the two parties. But the latest story suggests that the Merengues are ready to shell out €40 million to sign the Chelsea captain.
Reece James and his travails
Reece James has endured a tumultuous time since graduating to the first-team squad at Chelsea. The 24-year-old is one of several homegrown players to cross over to the senior team in the last half a decade. He has also broken into the English national team, turning out 16 times for the Three Lions.
The Englishman came into the season as the new Chelsea captain after the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta. However, his injury woes have worsened this season, restricting him to only 452 minutes of game time across nine outings thus far. But James’s stock remains high, with Real Madrid keen on signing him.
Real Madrid want James
The Merengues hold a long-standing interest in the Chelsea captain, although recent reports suggested they had ruled out a possible summer move. However, Real Madrid can do with a player of James’s qualities despite his fitness issues in the last few years.
Dani Carvajal is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of his glittering career. In addition, Lucas Vazquez is into his thirties, with the Spaniard only good enough to be a backup option. That is also true for Nacho, who might sign a new Real Madrid contract soon but is in the twilight of his playing days. So, Reece James is a viable target for Los Blancos.
However, recent reports have claimed that Real Madrid will put off a potential move for James until the 2025 summer transfer window. The latest update contradicts that, with Los Blancos ready to stump up €40 million to land the Chelsea captain.
The 16-cap English international can be a long-term solution for the Real Madrid defensive unit despite his recent fitness issues. It will be interesting to see if the Merengues launch the offensive to prise James away from Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
