Fabrizio Romano confirms blockbuster Chelsea transfer is off, with ‘untouchable’ player forcing re-think

A major Chelsea transfer involving a LaLiga giant will not be taking place according to Fabrizio Romano, with the player in question deemed “untouchable” by his club.

Chelsea’s upcoming summer window will see Christopher Nkunku add to the vast array of new arrivals over the last nine months. Nkunku has already signed off on a £53m move from RB Leipzig, while a new goalkeeper and centre-forward will also be targeted.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, young Benfica winger, Diego Moreira, has agreed to join Chelsea as a free agent too.

However, the bulk of business conducted at Stamford Bridge this summer is expected to revolve around exits. To help conform with Financial Fair Play, something of a fire sale is expected.

That’ll be welcome news to certain sections of the Chelsea squad, not least veteran centre-half, Thiago Silva.

“A positive is that we’ve got great players in the squad,” said Silva on the subject of Chelsea’s squad size (via Sky Sports).

“On the flipside, someone is always going to be annoyed or feel down because not everyone can play.

“The coach can only pick 11 players yet there are 30-odd here. That’s an issue, isn’t it?”

The Evening Standard recently named no fewer than 15 players who could leave Chelsea this summer. Among them were three players signed by Todd Boehly in the last nine months.

One player not listed was right-back Reece James. However, according to various reports, Barcelona and Real Madrid would very much like him to be transfer listed.

Indeed, Spanish outlet AS and Football Insider both reported Real were preparing a blockbuster bid to sign James this summer. The latter reported a £90m bid was in the offing.

More recently, talk of Barcelona making their own move has heightened despite their well-documented financial woes.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea fans need not fear their club are going to sell one of the best right-backs in the world.

In response to the Barcelona speculation, Romano tweeted “there’s nothing” between Xavi’s side and links to James.

The 23-year-old is considered a “crucial” player in west London and was labelled “untouchable” in the market. If he’s out of reach for Barca, it stands to reason the same is true for Real too.

James is under contract until the summer of 2028. Any bids for the 15-cap England international between now and closer to that time are certain to be rejected.

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