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 in the summer. The English right-back has long been regarded as one of the West Londoners’ most important players. He scored eleven goals and twenty assists in 151 league games.
Despite this, speculation over James’ future has grown, with Real Madrid eventually having to replace Dani Carvajal. There is talk of the Chelsea right-back moving to Santiago Bernabéu.
However, transfer expert Romano claims the Blues do not want to lose their captain, who signed a new six-year contract in September 2022. He alluded to Pochettino’s decision to make him captain (via CFCPys):
“We always hear rumors about Real Madrid and Reece James, but it is important to also hear the message from Chelsea, that he is a very important player.”
Romano addressed James’ unfortunate injury problems that have blighted his career at Stamford Bridge:
“He has been unlucky with injuries and they still consider his potential to be very high. The owners, the board and Pochettino all want him to be an important part of the project, which is why he is captain. The player’s focus is also on Chelsea.”
James came through the west London youth system at Cobham before making his debut in 2019. The 24-year-old has won the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Real Madrid could soon be looking for a new right-back as Caravajal is now 31 years old. But it is clear that Pochettino and his staff do not want to part with James.
Real Madrid are reportedly willing to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a permanent basis
![Kepa Arrizabalaga has earned rave reviews at the Bernabeu.](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/11/c6fb4-16989511260972-1920.jpg)
According to The Sun, Real Madrid want to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga permanently once his loan spell at Los Blancos ends. The Spanish goalkeeper has been on loan to Carlo Ancelotti’s team since the summer and will spend the season at the Bernabeu.
Los Merengues are willing to spend £17.5million on Kepa, 29. He has impressed during his loan spell so far, keeping five clean sheets in 12 league games.
Chelsea will therefore make a loss on the £72 million they paid Athletic Bilbao for the Spain international in 2018. He is very interested in a permanent move to the La Liga giants and is willing to take a pay cut.
Madrid signed Kepa as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement after the Belgian suffered a season-ending ACL injury. He could rival the veteran shot-stopper for the No. 1 jersey at the Bernabeu next season.
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