According to ESPN, the Blues are unwilling to let the right-back leave this summer, despite concerns about profit and sustainability rules. Gallagher and Chalobah, two other homegrown players, could leave, with academy products’ transfer fees dropping as pure profit.
The report adds that Chelsea have made £400 million in player sales since Boehly’s takeover and more transfer exits are likely to be needed to help the Stamford Bridge team balance the books. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with James but the Blues don’t want to let the 24-year-old go, particularly as his contract expires in 2028.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted at the end of March that he does not know when the England international will return from a hamstring injury, but he hopes the defender will play before the end of the season.