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Reece James has revealed he would be keen to stay at Chelsea for the long-term amid transfer interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old has emerged as another one of the club’s successful graduates from their Cobham academy in recent years, making the step from the youth sides to the first team.
He was first involved in the senior side in the 2019/20 season before staking his claim in the squad ever since, proving to be one of their most important players.
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Even though he has three years left on his contract at the club, many fans will be keen for him to sign an extension amid interest from the likes of City and Madrid over a potential transfer.
James has now spoken on his future at Chelsea, as well as the overall feeling of the club since they were taken over by their new owners.
In an interview with BBC Sport, he said: "It’s an exciting time, not much change from the players’ or the managing point of view. I aim to win every competition we are in, to win every game, and there’s no reason why we can’t do that.
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"I’d like to think so, yeah (be at Chelsea long-term). I grew up as a Chelsea fan and I’ve made my name playing for Chelsea, the club I’ve always supported. But I don’t see why anything would change. I play for Chelsea now and I’m enjoying it."
The right wing-back also commented on whether they can close to the gap to City and Liverpool in the new season, when he added: "Yeah, for sure. Last season we had a lot of injuries, myself and a lot of other players had long, long spells out. I think that affected the team a lot.
"Around Christmas time we were top of the table. Injuries affected us a lot last season, so this season if our team can stay fit and healthy, there’s no reason why we can’t be in and around it again."
James has made a total of 123 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, scoring nine goals and assisting another 18 for his boyhood club.
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It was revealed last week that Chelsea are set to hold talks with the defender over a new deal at the club in the hopes of fending off interest from elsewhere.
Negotiations are thought to be commencing soon, and it is believed that a proposed new deal would see him remain at the club until 'his late 20s'.
Such an agreement would be another sign of intent from Chelsea as they set their sights on further success in years to come.
Topics: Reece James, Chelsea, Football
Robert Calcutt