Real Madrid to make AUDACIOUS offer for Chelsea star
Robin Bairner
- 14 Sept 2023 07:23 BST
- 4 min read
Real Madrid are lining up a Galactico summer for 2024, with Chelsea star Reece James targeted as well as PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe.
Los Blancos see England full-back James as the best long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, who they are looking to replace.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have previously examined the likes of Joao Cancelo, Juan Foyth and Davide Calabria, but they have come to the conclusion that James represents their best option.
Transfer News Today: Chelsea to OFFLOAD duo, Man Utd to seal RECORD signing, Liverpool star TARGETED
Sport indicates that Real Madrid are considering a move in a year but AS is more conservative, suggesting that the Bernabeu club are willing to wait until the summer of 2025 to get a deal done.
While this could be seen as a worrying twist for the Stamford Bridge side, it also appears that Real Madrid are unwilling to negotiate at a price that would tempt Chelsea into a sale.
MORE: Brighton to BOYCOTT Chelsea after Caicedo and Potter transfers?
How much will Real Madrid pay for James?
Los Blancos will make a bid of €40 million next summer, according to Sport, but Chelsea clearly will not accept such an offer for the 23-year-old.
It is noted that James’ transfer value is widely considered to be around the €60m mark – his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €57m – but Real Madrid are not willing to pay such a sum for a player who is out of contract in 2028 and renewed his deal a year ago.
Mbappe remains the primary target of Real Madrid next summer, with the attacker out of contract with PSG at that point and available as a free agent as things stand.
But the France star still will be free in name only, with the 24-year-old expected to land huge signing on bonuses that will equate to a sizeable transfer fee.
This eats into the limited budget that Real Madrid will have to make signings, particularly as they have few sellable assets in their squad presently they can raise money with.
Chelsea do not need to worry about James’ future for the moment.
