Chelsea braced for ‘huge’ offer from Real Madrid for key player

Chelsea have been one of Europe’s busiest clubs in the transfer market over the past year, with no fewer than 16 players joining the club since last summer. 

The Blues splashed out a Premier League record fee of £107 million on midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, while the likes of Joao Felix, Noni Madueke and Marc Cucurella have also arrived in SW6.

Now, though, it appears that Chelsea may have to brace themselves for an offer for one of their own stars.

As per Football Insider, the London side are preparing themselves for a ‘huge’ offer from Real Madrid for full-back Reece James.

The report claims that the Spanish side are huge admirers of the England international and have put him near the top of their list of targets for the upcoming transfer window.

James, 23, has established himself as one of the world’s best right-backs in recent seasons, although he has struggled with injuries over the past 18 months.

James is reportedly a target for European champions Real Madrid

He missed the World Cup with England due to injury, and has only recently returned from another lengthy lay-off.

The defender, a product of Chelsea’s fruitful academy, recently penned a contract extension with his boyhood club that runs until 2028.

In total, James has made more than 140 appearances for The Blues, boasting an impressive tally of 11 goals and 20 assists.

The report claims that the player’s current contract makes him one of Chelsea’s top earners, despite the recent influx of new signings.

Chelsea are said to consider James a future club captain and, while they are aware of the interest from the Spanish capital, they remain confident that the Englishman will stay put in London.

Over the past few seasons, James has pushed captain Cesar Azpilicueta out of the starting 11 at Stamford Bridge, with previous managers Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, as well as current boss Graham Potter, all using the defender regularly.