Real Madrid News
Real Madrid and Manchester City interested in signing Chelsea defender
Real Madrid’s right-back position has been a volatile department for some time now. Dani Carvajal was the only full-time player in the department until Zinedine Zidane deployed Lucas Vazquez in the position. Even now, there is no one to challenge the duo, with Alvaro Odriziola on loan at Fiorentina.
According to reports from Daily Mail, Los Blancos are interested in signing Chelsea’s right-back Reece James. The club’s academy player has proven to be indispensable to Thomas Tuchel’s plans with many fans accrediting the recent poor form to James’ unavailability.
The situation at Chelsea is unprecedented. The club’s owner, Roman Abramovic, has been sanctioned by the Government. Furthermore, the club have lost their rights to buy, sell or even renew existing stars until the situation is resolved.
James was set to be renewed to a higher pay scale at Chelsea, but the situation is not clear now. With new owners set to come in, the right-back will want to evaluate the new administration and project before committing to a renewal.
In 15 Premier League starts this season, the Englishman has five goals and six assists. He has created six big chances and records close to two key passes every game.
The arrival of James would put Carvajal under more pressure to perform and could signal the end of Vazquez’s tenure as a right-back. However, the signing will not be easy as Manchester City, too, are eyeing the 22-year-old.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
