Why Chelsea are set to deal Real Madrid a 2023 transfer blow
Suraj Radia
- 7 Jul 2022 16:45 BST
- 3 min read
Real Madrid could be dealt a blow in their transfer plans for next summer after reports that Chelsea are set to hand a new contract to defender Reece James.
The Spanish outfit have been long-term admirers of James and were looking to take advantage of the 22-year-old having yet to sign a new deal with Chelsea.
James still has three years remaining on the contract he signed in 2020 but he is currently one of the lowest earners compared to other first team players.
Real are waiting on the likes of Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao to receive Spanish citizenship, meaning they couldn’t sign James until then as he would be considered a non-EU player.
With Madrid having no more spots for non-EU players in their squad, they had been targeting James next summer but their hopes could be dashed if he ends up signing a new contract at Chelsea.
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How close is Reece James to a new contract?
James reportedly earns around £80,000 per week, having signed his current deal during his breakout debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Since then, James has established himself as the club’s first-choice right-back as well as for England, where he has earned 13 caps.
Chelsea and James are said to be relaxed despite having yet to open negotiations on a new deal, with both parties understanding there have been bigger issues to deal with at the club in recent times.
However, the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly should see talks accelerate as the American is a huge fan of James and wants to reward the Champions League winner with a long-term deal.
😯 Chelsea's with/without record in the Premier League last season with Reece James in the starting XI pic.twitter.com/8OcTU6lNPd
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 7, 2022
Having been at the club since the age of six, James has shown no desire to leave and is keen on committing his long-term future to Chelsea.
The Blues are also looking to hand Mason Mount a new deal as the 23-year-old is on similar terms to James but has just two years remaining on his deal.
