Romano shuts down rumours over €50m star Chelsea see as ‘really important’

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Fabrizio Romano has clarified the position of Reece James at Chelsea amid rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old full-back continues to be associated with the LaLiga leaders, despite being under contract with the Blues until 2028.

Injury problems have disrupted recent months for the England international, but this has not stopped Real Madrid from tracking him, with Spanish reports indicating that they are desperate to sign him.

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Romano has put those rumours to bed, though.

“It’s important to send a message about what Chelsea feel about Reece James,” he said via his YouTube channel.

“They consider him a really important player for the future. He’s been very unlucky with injuries. Everyone at the club - because he’s an English player, he’s an important full-back and because they believe his potential is very big - they all want Reece James to be an important part of the project.

“That’s why he’s the captain, that’s why he’s got the armband and that’s why Pochettino, the board and the owners see Reece James as a very important player for the future of Chelsea.

“Around Reece James, the situation remains quiet and the focus of the player is also to do his best for Chelsea and that’s why he signed a contract extension almost one year ago.”

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Reece James transfer value evolution

Real Madrid transfer targets

James, who has an expected transfer value of €50.6 million based on FootballTransfers’ Player Valuation Model, is just one of a number of defenders linked to Real Madrid and he is one of their most ambitious targets in that regard.

Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, meanwhile, is a more realistic aim given that he occupies the left-back role that is giving Carlo Ancelotti so many headaches currently.

The Canada international is also out of contract in 18 months, making him a more viable summer target than James, who despite his injury concerns remains a highly prized player at Stamford Bridge and someone that they are unlikely to sell.