Chelsea are set to offer Reece James a new contract once they have a new owner in place amid reported interest from a number of top clubs, including Real Madrid, according to 90min.
As things stand, the Blues are not exactly in an uncomfortable position regarding James’ contract.
The 22-year-old signed a five-year deal back in 2020, although the contract may not reflect his key role in the squad any more at this point.
As the only player comfortable playing as a right wing-back, James has simply been indispensable under Thomas Tuchel.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as well as the wingers such as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech, have played in the right wing-back role before, but clearly, neither offers what James does.
Having had five goals and six assists in the Premier League this season, which puts him in second place among Chelsea players in terms of goal contributions, it is hardly a surprise he has attracted attention from other clubs.
90min’s report mentioned Real Madrid among clubs interested in the England international.
Chelsea are not exactly concerned by the interest, the report added, but still prepared to offer the defender a bumper deal in the form of a one-year or two-year extension.=
The club reportedly also plan to hold talks with Ben Chilwell, whose contract also runs until 2025, ahead of the new season.
Chelsea, who are expected to be under new ownership soon, will likely have to prioritise players whose contracts expire in 2023, including Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
Bear in mind that Chelsea will likely lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer after both players run down their contracts.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
