Chelsea 'identify' ex-Man City star with £34m release clause as possible Reece James replacement

Chelsea are said to be interested in a new right-back as they contemplate replacing Reece James. James is seemingly stuck in a never-ending cycle of injuries, currently out with a thigh injury having missed much of last season with a muscular issue.

James is still only 24 years of age, and it’s hoped that he can one day play at his top-class level over a consistent period of time, but six years after breaking through to the first team for the first time, he still only has 108 league appearances with more than 150 games across all competitions missed through injury.

While Chelsea have kept faith with the right-back up to this point, which is not surprising given his quality and the fact he came through the club’s academy, they will have to start making contingency plans if his injury issues are going to continue.

According to The Boot Room, Chelsea have identified Bayer Leverkusen full-back and former Manchester City man Jeremie Frimpong as a possible target. The 23-year-old came through at City before joining Celtic and moving on to Leverkusen in 2021. He has since won the Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso, enjoying a fine season of last.

Frimpong is valued at around £44million by Transfermarkt and he has a contract lasting until 2028, but it’s claimed he has a release clause as low as £34million as things stand. That could give Chelsea an affordable way to replace James if they feel they can no longer keep faith, faith that will have been tested by Malo Gusto’s injury of late, highlighting the lack of depth at the position.

James injury latest

James is still working to get back fit. There were claims of a setback, but while the defender is recovering a little slower than expected, he is not said to have suffered any real setback

"The most important thing for him and any injury is that they come back when they’re 100 per cent fit. Reece is still out," Maresca has said. "We don't have an idea at the moment [when he'll be back]. We hope we can find the right solution and have him back as soon as possible."