Reece James set for bumper pay rise as Chelsea close to striking deal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Reece James “deserves every penny” of a potential bumper new Chelsea contract as the two parties prepare to open talks.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old is “one of the best” right-backs in world football.
According to i News (7 July), Chelsea are keen to extend James’ contract and will open talks imminently – despite his current deal having three years to run.
The report claims the England international is currently earning just £80,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge.
James notched five goals and nine assists in just 26 league games in the 2021-22 season and has recently gazumped Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker in the Three Lions pecking order.
Whelan urged Chelsea to “build their team around” the full-back as they enter a new era under new owner Todd Boehly.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he deserves that big new deal.
“He’s one of the best right-backs, not just in the country – but in the world.
“He can come in with assists, goals – and when he’s defending one-versus-one, he’s probably better than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“All in all, he’s the full package for a wing-back and he deserves every penny he gets. He’s put in performances for Chelsea, performances for England.
“He’s exciting, still young – and exactly the sort of player Chelsea should be building their team around.
“They’ve lost centre-halves, but to keep him at the club and keep him happy – no one would grumble at that.”
Chelsea have jetted out to the United States as their pre-season regime ramps up ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Blues kick their Premier League season off against Everton on 6 August.
In other news, pundit claims Chelsea could sack Thomas Tuchel as “downward spiral” mooted.