Real Madrid make €100m-plus move for Chelsea star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 4 Apr 2023 14:39 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid have their sights set on Chelsea star Reece James, and not even his large price tag will deter them.

The Chelsea youth product is considered a massive prospect, being able to play both at full-back as well as centre-back, which would make him a perfect asset should Julian Nagelsmann take over in West London.

A physical specimen with good technical ability, the 23-year-old is one of Chelsea's most promising players, and it's therefore unsurprising that the Blues recently tied him down to a new and improved long-term deal. Indeed, his six-year contract extension made it clear that Chelsea plan on keeping one of their own around in the face of significant turmoil at the club.

READ: Why Julian Nagelsmann is not the solution to Chelsea’s problems

James has, however, struggled like the rest of his Chelsea teammates this season. In fact, injuries have kept him out for most of the campaign, limiting his game time to merely 19 appearances across all competitions. He did chip in with two goals and two assists in those outings, though.

Despite his new contract, one of Europe's top clubs is said to be very interested in acquiring the Englishman's services.

Real to make crazy offer

Real Madrid have reportedly admired James for quite some time, and now the side from Spain's capital have made James their priority signing, according to Football Insider.

In fact, Los Blancos are understood to be prepared to make an offer that would exceed €100 million in order to secure the Chelsea man's signature. A transfer of this magnitude would put James among the ranks of Galacticos with the club having already spent €100m on Aurelien Tchouameni last summer.

READ: Todd Boehly's five most STUPID decisions at Chelsea

Despite the significant interest from Real, "Chelsea are feeling confident about James staying at the club," according to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke. But given the drama at Chelsea this season, a move to Real Madrid may seem like an attractive proposition.