Report: Chelsea respond to Man City’s interest in 21-year-old star

Transfer News: Chelsea inform Manchester City Reece James is not for sale

According to transfer news from talkSPORT (h/t Metro), Chelsea have issued a hands-off warning to Manchester City, who were eyeing a swoop for Reece James.

A product of the Chelsea academy, James has been with the club since 2006. Having progressed through the ranks, the right-back had a loan stint with Wigan Athletic in 2018/19 where he flourished, prompting Frank Lampard to give him a shot at first-team football at Chelsea in 2019/20.

Since then, James has been a regular fixture in the side at the Bridge, racking up over 80 appearances for Chelsea, while playing a key role in the Blues’ UEFA Champions League triumph in the 2020/21 season.

And, it seems like James’ rapid rise to prominence at Chelsea has gotten him an admirer in Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who wants to sign the Englishman this summer. The interest comes off as a bit puzzling considering that Manchester City have two quality right-backs in Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at their disposal. Nevertheless, Guardiola has added James to his transfer wishlist for the summer. (h/t The Athletic)

However, responding to the interest, Chelsea have informed Manchester City that their attempts will be futile as James is an integral part of the first-team setup at the Bridge and will not be sold by the club. (h/t Metro)

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If anything, Chelsea are looking to add to the options at right-back having recently been linked with a move for Achraf Hakimi, although he is set to sign for Paris Saint-Germain. James, however, is going nowhere, despite Manchester City’s interest in him.