Chelsea ready to sell world-class Cobham graduate for the right price

Chelsea could sell Reece James if Real Madrid make a fair bid

Chelsea might be prepared to sell Reece James for the right price as Real Madrid plots a move for the right-back next summer to replace long-serving Spanish star Dani Carvajal.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, (h/t Express) Real are ready to make a £34.5 million bid for James, and Chelsea certainly won’t entertain this low bid for their star player. Even considering it is an insult, given James’s potential.

James has evolved into the club’s most important player and was named captain of the Blues this season. He is among the few academy players who are still at the club in the senior squad.

The Blues have sold many senior figures, such as Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Mateo Kovacic. But they will still look to balance their roster to offload more experienced players next season.

James, who has endured frequent injuries since last season, was sidelined in this campaign’s opening game against Liverpool, and his return remains unknown. His absence leaves a huge gap both in terms of quality and leadership at the back.

The 23-year-old drew interest from Real Madrid, but no bid was tabled. But the Spanish capital is now ready to make an offer, and Chelsea might be willing to sell only for the right price. Real are reluctant to shell out James’  £51.5 million market value, but will be hard pressed to find a worthy alternative at such a low price.

Chelsea will not want to sell one of their finest players for anything less than a king’s ransom. It’s unclear, though, whether Real will go absolutely crazy over James’ acquisition and offer us the moon. The Blues may want to move the right-back on if his injury concerns persists. After all, there is only so much he can contribute if he isn’t taking to the field regularly.

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The onus is on Real to make an offer that Chelsea cannot refuse. If anything, this shows that no player can take his spot for granted under Todd Boehly’s ownership.