While Chelsea's pursuit of Manchester City stars appears to be progressing, any City's efforts to bring players the other way from Stamford Bridge are yet to bear fruit.
City's Premier League rivals are on the verge of announcing the £47.5m capture of Raheem Sterling from City, after the two clubs reached a deal and Sterling agreed to personal terms.
Chelsea are also interested in making Nathan Ake their second signing from City of the summer, with the Dutch international believed to be keen on returning to his former club in order to play more minutes than he does at the Etihad Stadium.
The Manchester Evening News recently reported that City will only sell Ake if Chelsea stump up at least £50m and if City can find a suitable replacement, but Chelsea are reportedly confident of getting their man.
READ MORE: Chelsea's Edouard Mendy makes strange Erling Haaland and Christian Benteke comparison
DON'T MISS:Man City about to learn if their Kalidou Koulibaly stance was right as Chelsea transfer progresses
Raheem Sterling confirms Man City exit ahead of Chelsea transfer
Nathan Ake replacement is even harder for Man City to get this summer
Always keen to plan ahead, City have tentatively been planning for a future without Kyle Walker, and Chelsea's Reece James is seen as one of the potential solutions.
While Walker will remain an integral member of Pep Guardiola's squad this season and a sure-starter, at 32 years old he does not have many years left at the top level of the game.
James, 10 years Walker's junior, is one of the most exciting young defenders around and would make a fine long-term replacement for his England teammate.
Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly is believed to be prioritising a new contract for James, but the defender is reported to be frustrated by the lack of progress in contract talks.
It was always going to be difficult to persuade Chelsea to part with one of their most prized assets - especially if it meant him moving to a direct rival - but now James himself has poured water on the idea that he might consider leaving Stamford Bridge any time soon.
"I grew up as a Chelsea fan and I made my name playing for Chelsea the club I’ve always supported," James said. "I don’t see why that would change, I play for Chelsea now and I’m enjoying it."
City are right to be thinking about replacements for Walker, their ability to plan ahead one of the reasons why they always seem to be one step ahead of their rivals. However, if James stays true to his word then the Blues might have to look elsewhere.
ALSO READ:
-
Erling Haaland set Man City challenge as Chelsea defender fires title warning
-
Nathan Ake replacement is even harder for Man City to get this summer
-
Rodri agrees new Man City deal and opens up on trophy ambition
-
Man City transfer target Marc Cucurella travels to Portugal for Brighton training camp
