Chelsea remain confident about securing a contract extension for Reece James despite interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid, according to reports in England.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form for Thomas Tuchel’s side, scoring six goals and registering 10 assists in all competitions across the 2021/22 season.
As reported by the Daily Mail, there is still confidence that James will renew his deal despite interest from elsewhere.
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The report states that there was no approach to the Cobham graduate in regards to a new contract before Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government, and subsequently sold Chelsea to the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium.
However, several reports stated that the new owners have made it a priority to extend James’ deal along with Player of the Season, Mason Mount.
The Mail contrasts these claims, writing that the new owners are yet to indicate whether they intend to open talks with James this summer.
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Despite this, there is still confidence that James’ preference is to remain at Stamford Bridge given his ‘emotional ties’ to Chelsea.
The report continues to state that the stance could backfire if James feels undervalued in London, with much interest in his services.
Real Madrid are in the market for a new right back, with Dani Carvajal the primary option for Los Blancos. The Mail reveal that Carlo Ancelotti’s men are monitoring the situation ‘very closely’ and could look to make a move for the 22-year-old in the future.
Furthermore, Premier League champions Manchester City see James as an ideal long-term replacement for Kyle Walker and could look to sign him in the future.
Chelsea must, therefore, act quickly to tie James down to a new long-term contract or risk losing him in the future.
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The Blues are increasingly interested in Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, also, and this has handed a boost to Man City and Real Madrid, who believe this could signal that James could be obtainable.
Chelsea boss Tuchel has previously admitted that he believes James can make his own legacy at Stamford Bridge, much like his teammate N’Golo Kante has done."He (James) has everything that it takes to be one of the very best, but there is a long way to go for Reece,” he said.
"There is some incredible potential and he has the ability, the foundation, the body, the physique, the mindset to make his way to the very top, but there is still a long way to go. We will support him. We will push him so he can be that player for Chelsea."
Featured Image Credit: MI News & Sport / AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Reece James, Football