Real Madrid demand 22-year-old Chelsea star in exchange for Eden Hazard

Transfer News: Real Madrid wants Chelsea star Reece James in exchange for Eden Hazard

According to El Nacional (h/t The Sun), Real Madrid are looking to launch a £50million plus bid for Chelsea star Reece James and intends to add Eden Hazard to the deal as a sweetener. 

The English international has been one of the brightest stars for Chelsea this season. The British youngster already has five goals and six assists in 22 appearances across all competitions. He enjoyed an emphatic start to the season and is curiously amongst the club’s top scorers and assist getters. Due to Thomas Tuchel’s requirements, the 22-year-old defender has even donned the role of a midfield for a few games. 

James undoubtedly is on course to become a Chelsea superstar. But Real Madrid are aiming to thwart the Blues’ intentions of keeping hold of their star player. 

Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently lacks depth in the right-back position. It is believed that Los Blancos want to sign James to fill up that void and are looking to bid more than £50million for the full-back. Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti’s side appears ready to include former Blues superstar HGazard in the deal. 

The Belgian was one of the best players in the Premier League during his time at Stamford Bridge. But his move to Bernabeu hasn’t turned out as expected. It is believed that Blues want to bring him back to the club and also have owner Roman Abramovich blessings to do so. 

Chelsea currently have many problems regarding players’ fitness. Injuries and Covid related issues have made life difficult for Tuchel. Injuries to midfield stars like N’Golo Kanté, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovačić pushed the German to call upon youth players and otherwise improvise. Thus, selling a player at this moment seems improbable for the Blues board, especially not one as dynamic as James. 

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Nevertheless, when it comes to James, the decision is an easy one for the board. The British player has developed into a beast this season and will only get better with time. Furthermore, being one of Chelsea’s own, he has the spark to become a future legend of the club. 

Thus, Marina Granovskaia’s board would do their best to keep the 22-year-old at Stamford Bridge. However, Real Madrid also understands this and views the attempt as a ‘long shot‘ as they believe Reece already ‘has it all’ at Chelsea.