Chelsea defender Reece James has admitted that the Blues have a ‘great addition’ to their squad ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The 22-year-old is in Los Angeles with his Chelsea teammates ahead of the new season.
The Blues will undergo a two-week training camp before returning to the United Kingdom ahead of the new season.
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While in North America, Chelsea will face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal as part of their preparations for the new season.
While the Blues are yet to officially unveil any incomings ahead of the campaign, they are edging closer to making the first additions to Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer.
Raheem Sterling is set to be unveiled as a Chelsea player this week, flying to Los Angeles to join his new teammates.
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The 27-year-old is set to sign a long-term contract with the Blues after a fee was agreed with Manchester City earlier this month in a deal worth an initial £47.5 million.
The new additions do not stop there, with Kalidou Koulibaly edging closer to a move to Stamford Bridge.
The defender has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Blues and is awaiting a £34 million bid to be accepted by Napoli before completing his medical.
Furthermore, Tuchel is hoping to complete a double swoop for defenders as Chelsea are pushing to complete the signing of Sterling’s teammate Nathan Ake by the end of next week.
The Dutchman will likely return to Stamford Bridge to feature on the left side of a back three for Tuchel after the departure of Antonio Rudiger.
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However, none of these additions are the subject of James’ praise ahead of the new season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the defender heaped praise on the return of Ben Chilwell, with the wing-back recovering from an ACL injury.
Chilwell featured on the last day of the season against Watford and has worked hard over the summer to get back up to speed ahead of the new season.
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When asked about his fellow wing-back, who was out with an injury since November, James said: "He had a significant injury last year and it’s hard to be in the right frame of mind to keep on with your rehab, so he’s done well to get back much quicker than he was meant to be."
The 22-year-old then concluded by labelling Chilwell’s return as a great addition for the Chelsea squad.
"He’s a great addition to have back this year and start the next season,” he finalised.
Chelsea will be hoping that Chilwell can have the effect of a new signing as they look to freshen up Tuchel’s squad this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms