Chelsea make big decision on future of club captain

Chelsea return to action when they face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. 

The Blues have endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season and currently sit 12th in the table having picked up just four points from their opening four matches.

Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to pick up his first away victory since taking charge of the club, but the Cherries will undoubtedly provide a stern test.

In the meantime, it appears that those in charge of the club have made a huge decision on the future of club captain Reece James.

According to Football Insider, the Blues are desperate to keep hold of the full-back amid rumoured interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

James, 23, is a product of Chelsea’a fruitful youth academy and was handed the captain’s armband at the start of the new campaign.

James became Chelsea’s captain at the start of this season after graduating from the club’s academy 

In total the Englishman has made 148 appearances for his boyhood club, but he has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons and is currently sidelined.

James has scored 11 goals and provided 20 assists during his time with the first team, establishing himself as an important first team figure.

The defender has been the subject of interest from the La Liga side for some time now, but he signed a new six-year contract last year.

Chelsea signed Malo Gusto from French side Lyon over the summer to provide competition and cover for James, and the Frenchman has impressed since arriving in the capital.

Gusto has provided two assists so far this term, more than James has registered since the start of last season.

It is also claimed that James – who has been injured since the Blues’ opening weekend draw against Liverpool – is hoping to return to action before the October international break.