Reigning European champions Real Madrid are reportedly ready to spend a staggering €102 million this summer to get Reece James from Chelsea. The Los Blancos want to purchase a right-back to replace Dani Carvajal, according to Defensa Central (Fichajes.net). Club president Florentino Perez has been monitoring James for a long time and wants him to succeed Carvajal this summer. To entice the Englishman away from west London, the club is willing to pay €102 million.
Reece James is also a top target for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has asked the club to test Chelsea’s new owners’ resolve to retain their asset in the summer. While the Italian’s future is in doubt at the club, Real Madrid are still pursuing a deal for his transfer target, given the club administration too admires the Chelsea full-back.
Real Madrid willing to test waters for Reece James as Chelsea plot summer exodus
James signed a long-term contract with the Blues in September last year, extending his stay until 2028. The Blues thought this as an effort to fend off interest from clubs like Real Madrid, who they knew were tracking their academy graduate. It has been claimed, nevertheless, that Los Blancos’ outrageous offer might make the Londoners reconsider. The 23-year-old has 143 games across all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 11 goals and dishing out 20 assists.
Furthermore, Chelsea must offload a few marquee players this summer in order to make room for their new signings like Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, and Mykhailo Mudryk without incurring penalties. Selling James, who has made his way to the first-team through the youth ranks, would significantly strengthen their argument for enlisting the reinforcements brought in January as well as future recruits.
It was claimed that the scouting team for Ancelotti thoroughly scouted James’ performances during the two legs of the Blues’ Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Real Madrid last season. And Real will have another chance to look closely at the full-back when two clubs clash again in the quarterfinals of the European competition this month. James might very well be the player Real Madrid are looking for on the right side of their defence as Ancelotti looks to restructure his squad at the Bernabeu.
James may be desperate as well to move to Real Madrid given that he has reportedly stated his desire to play for the 14-time Champions League winners in the near future. The aforementioned source however claims that Chelsea’s position regarding Real’s astounding offer is not yet known. The owners will apparently speak to the new manager who will succeed Graham Potter before making a final decision regarding James’ availability.
Yet, according to multiple sources, Real Madrid believe James has many years of rapid progression ahead of him and would be a top-notch addition. The defending La Liga champions intend to offload a few players this summer to raise funds for a reorganisation. James will be one of the players they pursue if the deals they hope to complete materialise. However, a push from the England international himself could also be required if the Blues eventually decide to dump the lucrative offer from their Champions League quarterfinals opponents.