Thibaut Courtois does not want to play Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
According to Absolute Chelsea (via @SamiMokbel81_DM) (h/t Football.London), agreeing on a new deal for Reece James is a priority for Chelsea with Manchester City eyeing the English right-back as a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker.
The Cobham graduate broke into the Chelsea first-team under former boss Frank Lampard and has gone on to establish himself as one of the best right-backs in the world. The English international is excellent going forward and equally adept at defence.
The 22-year-old full-back has played 39 games for Thomas Tuchel’s men this season scoring six goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. Despite a long-term injury keeping him out for a while, James has been spectacular for the Blues whenever called upon.
The Blues will want to get a new deal over the line as soon as possible. With a direct rival such as ManCity lurking, we cannot afford to be tardy. It would be a double blow in our efforts to make it to the top of English football.
James, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo are probably the best right-backs in the Premier League and Chelsea must keep him at all costs. Replacing a player of his ability is not an easy task and could prove impossible.
The Chelsea star is extremely key to Thomas Tuchel’s system and his absence tends to affect the team a lot. He is everything that a manager can ask for, equally good going forward and also good in defence. His renewal is absolutely key for the German manager.
The fact that James is a Cobham graduate might persuade him to stay at Stamford Bridge despite the Manchester City interest and that is a good thing for the Blues. Regardless, when a manager like Pep Guardiola comes calling, there is a chance that the player could be swayed.
Reece James is Chelsea’s future and also his present. We need to do everything in our capacity to keep him with us and then hope for the best. This is an interesting situation to keep an eye out for.
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