Reports suggest that Chelsea are considering a swap deal involving their club captain, Reece James, in exchange for Real Madrid’s midfielder, Federico Valverde.
The Blues have been on a spending spree, investing heavily since Todd Boehly took over last year, but their Premier League performance last season was lackluster.
Under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, the London club has made significant signings like Moises Caicedo (£115m), Romeo Lavia (£58m), and Nicolas Jackson (£32m).
However, they are keen to further strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
Recent reports from Spain, as cited by Football365, indicate that Chelsea are contemplating offering Reece James as part of a deal to secure Federico Valverde from Real Madrid.
The La Liga giants already boast a well-stocked midfield, featuring talents like Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Edouardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz.
Consequently, they might be willing to part with Valverde for the right price, with an estimated valuation of approximately €80 million (£69.4 million).
Chelsea joins Liverpool in race for Valverde
Liverpool and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing Valverde, potentially creating competition for Chelsea in their pursuit of the midfielder.
The report suggests that Chelsea have been monitoring Valverde for some time and are now considering offering Reece James, a player who has also caught Madrid’s attention.
While Valverde is valued at around €80 million by Real Madrid, Chelsea apparently values James even higher, despite what the report suggests.
Reece James, who missed 25 games due to injury last season, has not featured for Chelsea since the opening weekend of the current season due to a hamstring injury.
There is uncertainty about his return, despite Pochettino’s recent statement that he is recovering well.
At just 23 years of age, James has time to recover from his setbacks, and it appears that Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, views him as a valuable prospect.
Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will indeed pursue a swap deal involving James and Valverde in the upcoming January transfer window.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
