Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on Chelsea captain Reece James joining La Liga giants Real Madrid.
James was appointed captain of the Blues by Mauricio Pochettino this summer. The England right-back has long been regarded as one of the west Londoners’ most important players. He had 11 goals and 20 assists in 151 games.
Nonetheless, speculation is mounting over James’ future at Real Madrid, with the eventual need to replace Dani Carvajal. There are rumors linking the Chelsea right-back with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, transfer expert Romano claims the Blues do not want to lose their captain, who signed a new six-year deal in September 2022. He mentioned Pochettino’s decision to make him captain (via CFCPys):
“We always hear rumors about Real Madrid and Reece James, but it’s also important to hear about Chelsea, he’s a very important player.”
Romano spoke about James’ unfortunate injury issues that have ruined his career at Stamford Bridge:
“He’s been unlucky with injuries but they think his potential is still very high and the owner, the board, Pochettino all want him to be a big part of the project and that’s why he’s captain and the players are focused. At Chelsea.”
James came through Cobham’s west London youth system and made his debut in 2019. The 24-year-old has won the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Real Madrid may soon be looking for a new right-back given that Caravajal is 31 years old. However, it’s clear Pochettino and his team don’t want to part ways with James.
Real Madrid reportedly ready to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently
![Kepa Arrizabalaga has won praise at the Santiago Bernabeu.](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/11/c6fb4-16989511260972-1920.jpg)
According to The Sun, Real Madrid hope to sign Kepa to a permanent contract when his loan period with Real Madrid ends. The Spanish goalkeeper has been on loan at Carlo Ancelotti’s side since the summer and will spend the entire season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Merengues are prepared to spend £17.5m on the 29-year-old Kepa. He has impressed so far on loan, keeping five clean sheets in 12 games.
Chelsea will therefore take a loss on the £72m they paid Athletic Bilbao in 2018 for the Spain international. He is very interested in a permanent move to the La Liga giants and is willing to take a pay cut.
Real signed Kepa Kepa as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement after the Belgian suffered a season-ending ACL injury. He could be competing with the experienced goalkeeper for the number one jersey at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
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