Chelsea look to be in a bit of bother financially right now.
Having spent so much money over the last few transfer windows, it is hardly a surprise that the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules could now become a problem for them.
How do they improve their situation? The obvious answer is to sell some players, and it looks like the club are considering that.
Reece James is one name that they could offload, if reports are to be believed, but he should not be the first defender Chelsea get rid of this summer.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s Reece James stance
James is injured right now, but when the right-back is fit, he is one of Chelsea’s most important players.
Mauricio Pochettino made him club captain last summer and in some of the games that James has been able to feature in this season, he has really impressed.
For example, in Chelsea’s first clash with Manchester City, an incredible 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old put in a truly complete full-back performance.
As per WhoScored, James made five tackles, more than any other player on the pitch, and recorded an assist.
Yet despite all of the above, James could become a casualty of Chelsea’s heavy spending, because of his injury record you would suspect. According to journalist Simon Phillips, the club would listen to a big offer for the England international this summer.
Chelsea should consider selling Ben Chilwell before Reece James
Chelsea may not make as much money from a Ben Chilwell sale, but the left-back is surely an individual who has to be above James on Chelsea’s exit list.
It is not because Chilwell is a bad player, but like his captain, he has also struggled to stay fit and is capable of generating interest from Premier League clubs.
It was only last year when Chilwell, who earns £200,000 a week in west London (Capology), was being linked with a move to City.
According to The Athletic, the European champions had genuine interest in him as they looked to replace Joao Cancelo.
James gives Chelsea the chance to make pure profit, though, so you suspect the club may very well try to offload him before Chilwell.