Chelsea appear to be risking repeating the mistake they made with Antonio Rudiger 's contract as Real Madrid circle around one of their other star players.
The Blues had been keen to hand Rudiger a new deal, but negotiations dragged on and were eventually ended by the sanctions that hit Roman Abramovich. Chelsea are still unable to negotiate any new contracts for their players due to those restrictions.
That means that Rudiger, whose deal expires at the end of the season, is departing Stamford Bridge in the summer. While it has not yet been confirmed, the German is expected to make the move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
But if Chelsea are not careful, they risk losing another of their top stars to Los Blancos as the sanctions continue to impact them. According to GOAL, Madrid are now sizing up a move for Blues wing-back Reece James.
It is stated that Los Blancos are just one of a 'host' of teams who have approached the England international over a move. Madrid plan to make their move for James in the summer of 2023, once Chelsea have new owners in place.
Losing James would represent a huge blow to Thomas Tuchel, with the 22-year-old having become one of the German's most important players. As a result, Chelsea will do all they can to keep him and are ready to put up a 'fight' to deter Madrid from making a move.
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The hierarchy at Stamford Bridge are keen to make James one of the players they build Tuchel's team around. As such he remains tied to a long-term contract, with more than three years still remaining on his deal.
He last signed a contract in January 2020, before his breakthrough into Tuchel's plans, which means he is not one of the club's highest earners. The future of James is one of the top things on the to-do list of Chelsea's, with there being a worry he could have his head turned by Madrid's offer.
The fact that James' situation has been allowed to reach this stage has been met with 'surprise' by Chelsea's European rivals. Madrid are among those who have approached James to gauge whether he is interested in running down his contract ahead of a move.
Though it is stated that James has 'insisted' that is not the case, he has had 'little dialogue' about extending his stay at the Blues. Losing him would be a bitter blow to the Blues, given his outstanding performances over recent seasons.
That continued against Manchester United last week, when James once again impressed as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. The 22-year-old's efforts at Old Trafford saw him singled out for praise by Roy Keane, demonstrating his importance.
"What a player Reece James is. He looks like a boxer. His distribution, movement, strength. He seems like a nice kid too. He’s a clever lad, could play in any position. Chelsea are a lucky club to have him. Outstanding," Keane told Sky Sports.
