Manchester City have an eye on Chelsea right-back Reece James as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker.
That is according to The Independent reporter Miguel Delaney, who has claimed that Manchester City have long been interested in James.
So, what has been said about Manchester City, Reece James, Chelsea and Kyle Walker?
Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, according to journalist Miguel Delaney in his Reading the Game newsletter in The Independent (1:32 pm, November 10, 2023), Manchester City are interested in signing Reece James from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The well-known and well-respected journalist has claimed that defending Premier League champions City have long eyed a move for James and see him as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker.
Walker signed a new contract with City only in September 2023.
Described as “an outstanding footballer” by City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain, Walker is now under contract at last season’s UEFA Champions League winners until the summer of 2026.
Walker is a leader in the City dressing room.
However, the England international right-back is 33 now.
James is 23 and is also an England international.
Delaney wrote: “Chelsea are likely to endure the physical force of Kyle Walker this Sunday, but they may also suffer when the England international eventually leaves Manchester City.
“Reece James has long been earmarked as his replacement, and the European champions are obviously able to offer such a player more immediate prospects of competing.
“It was an option even raised in many of the last few summers, as Walker constantly weighed up his future.
“The issue is that he’s one of those players who just keeps getting better.
“James, on the other hand, is still struggling to overcome regular injuries.”
One potential Reece James concern for Manchester City
While Reece James is a very good right-back who is just 23, I believe that Manchester City should look into his injury problems before making a move for the Chelsea star.
James is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League when he is fit and available.
I believe that the £250,000-a-week (Spotrac) 23-year-old could grow and develop under City manager Pep Guardiola and add more facets to his game.
However, James has had consistent injury problems.
That is a potential risk for City.
