
Chelsea
Premier League • England
Clever Real Madrid raid for Chelsea star takes shape as Blues recognise ‘obligation to sell’

Real Madrid are reportedly hoping to take advantage of the ‘obligation to sell’ at Chelsea, by attempting to snare Reece James.
Chelsea’s financial output of late has been extreme. Indeed, in just the last two transfer windows, they’ve spent more than £500million.
That’s seen 16 players walk through the door. Some of the most expensive have been Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Despite the massive outlay on a number of big names, things haven’t gone to plan.
Indeed, Chelsea are currently 11th in the Premier League. The expectation that they might make something of this season vanished some time ago.
Two managers have also headed through the exit door. The Blues will also go into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with a 2-0 deficit.
Things might be about to go from bad to worse for them.
While it looks as if Real Madrid will dump them out of Europe, the next potential defeat seems as if it will also be at the hands of the La Liga side, this time off the field rather than on it.
Reece James pursuit taking shape at Real
Marca reports Real are hoping to take advantage of the Blues’ need to raise funds this summer, by moving for right-back James.
That the Spanish side are interested in the full-back is nothing new. Indeed, a report at the beginning of April suggested a bid of £90million was coming.
However, nothing major had been made of Chelsea’s need to sell. It’s hard to imagine how the club could spend such vast amounts – and pay off two managers’ contracts – without recouping some cash.
It seems they’re aware themselves that they need to do so. Marca suggests they will ‘have the obligation’ to sell one of their players in the summer, and have named James as a likely option.
Real Madrid are very attentive to that situation, it seems. They will be even more so if the figure of €50million (approx £44million) mentioned in the report is to be believed.
Chelsea must keep James
However, Marca also mentions James’ contract – until 2028 – and therefore states Real will have to ‘scratch their pockets’ to get him.
For Chelsea, that their star is tied down for so long is a good thing. It means they can demand a massive sum, or they just won’t let him go.
Either of those would be a benefit. There is an obvious need to balance the books in line with Financial FairPlay regulations, so a lucrative sale will be a bonus.
They’d surely rather sell other assets and keep James, though, given how important he is to the side. His role as a genuine wing-back has been the source of a lot of Chelsea’s recent success, while there’s not been a lot.
The Englishman scored five goals and provided nine assists in 26 league games last season – incredible numbers for a defender.
While he’s been injury prone of late, on his day, he’s one of the best players Chelsea have. As such, they should be doing their all to keep him.
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