Chelsea identify long-term Reece James replacement

Cameron Smith

• 22 Nov 2022 10:46 CST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have reportedly sought out a potential future replacement for Reece James if the Englishman leaves the club at any point in the next few years.

James, 22, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid in 2023, but has recently extended his contract until 2028, meaning he's unlikely to leave Stamford Bridge any time soon.

Even so, his recent injury record has been poor, often leaving the Blues short of options at right-back following the sales of academy graduates Tariq Lamptey and Valentino Livramento.

READ: Why Omari Hutchinson deserves Chelsea chance over out-of-form Havertz

That is something the club want to avoid, with Todd Boehly introducing a new transfer policy that focuses heavily on signing youngsters before they have a breakout season.

That strategy saw Chelsea sign Carney Chukwuemeka, Omari Hutchisnon, Cesare Casadei and Gabriel Slonina during the most recent summer transfer window.

Now, Chelsea have identified another star who could become the latest player they poach from an academy across Europe.

READ: Chelsea transfer target describes Reece James as 'toughest' opponent

Chelsea in for Aston Villa starlet

According to the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea are pursuing a move for 16-year-old Aston Villa full-back Triston Rowe after being impressed by his development.

The Blues signed the aforementioned Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa earlier in 2022 and could further raid the Midlands club by adding Rowe.

Despite being just 16, Rowe has featured in three Under-21 games for Aston Villa having joined the club from West Bromwich Albion just 18 months ago.

Rowe has been on Chelsea's radar for a while, and James' continued injury woes, and the success of Dylan Williams' move from Derby County to bolster the youth team, may lead them to make a formal approach.