La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly set to step up their interest in Reece James after preparing a €70 million bid for the Chelsea defender.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Carlo Ancelotti is keen on bringing Reece James to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. The Merengues are ready to pay €70 million to secure the services of the Chelsea defender ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Reece James has established himself as one of the best young full-backs in Europe since becoming a regular at Chelsea in the 2019/20 season. The 22-year-old is a pivotal figure for the Blues while also carving a place for himself in the English national squad.
James has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign in spite of a few injury troubles, amassing six goals and seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. The English international’s exploits for Chelsea have not gone unnoticed, with one of the biggest clubs in Europe – Real Madrid – setting sights on him.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the regressing performance levels of Dani Carvajal. The experienced Spanish defender has not been the same player since being blighted by a spate of injuries. As a result, he has blown hot and cold at an alarming level.
Carlo Ancelotti does not have another natural right-back at his disposal, with Alvaro Odriozola on loan at Fiorentina. While Nacho and Lucas Vazquez can play as makeshift right-backs, neither has been convincing in the role this season. Real Madrid will thus need to enter the market for a right-back, with James emerging as a viable target.
According to recent reports, the Chelsea defender is a priority target for Real Madrid heading into the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants are now prepared to step up their efforts to land James, with Fichajes claiming they are ready to offer €70 million to prise him away from Chelsea.
But with James being a crucial member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad, it is highly unlikely that he will leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Real Madrid might thus need to set sights on an alternative to bolster the right-back berth, although it will be interesting to see if a €70 million bid breaks Chelsea’s resolve.
![Real Madrid 2 Barcelona 3: Messi masterclass ensures all three points [Best Tweets]](https://thehardtackle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FBL-ESP-LIGA-REALMADRID-BARCELONA.jpg)