English Premier League giants Chelsea are getting ready to offer a new contract to their defender Reece James after he was linked to a move to Manchester City and Real Madrid.
The Englishman has been an important player for the Chelsea squad since he joined them from the club’s academy three years ago, having won the Champions League trophy in the 2020/21 campaign. James started training with the blues when he was six years old and is one of the team’s lowest-paid players, reportedly making £80,000 per week.
However, the Blues are reportedly willing to extend the defender’s contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old contract currently has three years left on it, and news outlets have reported that the Blues are prepared to start discussions with him.
James is already ranked above Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions team, and given his connections to City, he might be considered a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker for both club and country.
Chelsea are set to open talks with Reece James over a new contract amid interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, according to reports 📝
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 8, 2022
According to a source, James’ new contract offer would keep him at Stamford Bridge into his late 20s, and given that the defender is only 22 at the moment, the offer would be a significant one. Chelsea is said to be keen on keeping hold of the full-back for a bit longer because they see him as a potential club captain.
Manchester City and Real Madrid are also said to be keeping an eye on the defenders’ future. James and his agents are eager to start discussions about extending his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Englishman has played 123 times for Chelsea’s first squad, scoring nine goals across all competitions and winning the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Pep Guardiola sees Reece James as the best replacement for Manchester City right-back Walker, who’s 32 and has just two years left in his contract at Manchester City.
Chelsea are also planning to offer a fellow England star Mason Mount a mega new contract that would increase his wages by more than double his current salary. Mason Mount currently has two years left in his contract at Chelsea but has been a key player for the Blues since he joined the club from the club’s academy.
Mount who also joined Chelsea at the age of six has 30 goals in 160 appearances in all competitions. The Englishman has been involved in over 50 games for Chelsea in three consecutive years.
