Football News: Real Madrid makes Chelsea’s Reece James a transfer target this summer

Real Madrid are allegedly not ready to abandon their pursuit of Chelsea defender Reece James. For the last 15 months, the right-back has been plagued by injuries.

Thus, this has forced Chelsea to experiment with other options in that position. However, James remains an important player at Stamford Bridge, having contributed 11 goals and 20 assists.

James is so important to the West Londoners that the club's owners extended his contract until 2028. Yet, it has been widely reported that Chelsea would be forced to sell players later in 2023 in order to comply with FFP restrictions.

The Blues hierarchy is especially willing to cash in on an academy graduate. As it would be recorded as pure profit in the books because no price was paid for their signature.

To achieve that criterion, James' name has rarely been mentioned along with other club graduates. Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount all looking more likely to leave the club this summer.

According to AS, Real Madrid are still interested in signing James during one of the following transfer windows. Los Blancos are in need of long-term replacements for the likes of Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, both of whom are 31 years old.

While Eder Militao can fill in at right back when needed, the Brazil international is better suited to play at centre back.

With James' recent contract extension, there is an acknowledgement that convincing Chelsea to move a player of England international stature may be difficult.

Yet, Real believe that the scenario could alter if Chelsea fails to qualify for the Champions League and must adhere to Premier League standards.

Chelsea had a £121 million loss for 2021-22 before committing to a £600 million outlay during the last two transfer windows, it was disclosed earlier this week.

Thus, in order to cover their loses the Blues might be willing to sell some of their key players if a decent offer is put on the table.

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