Chelsea could do Liverpool a massive favour as owners 'make controversial decision'

Chelsea could inadvertently prevent Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit by selling Reece James to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are reportedly interested in a cut-price deal for James ahead of the January transfer window.

The Chelsea captain has suffered a series of hamstring injuries, limiting him to just 14 Premier League appearances since the start of the 2023-24 season. Blues boss Enzo Maresca insists the defender’s latest setback is not serious.

But James has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. Malo Gusto has excelled at right-back and is reportedly set for a bumper pay rise to reflect his booming status in west London.

According to TBR Football, Chelsea could be prepared to sell James for a significantly reduced fee. The Premier League side had previously wanted a huge deal to relinquish the 24-year-old, but now know they have a ready-made and long-term replacement in Gusto.

That has reportedly caught the attention of Real, who it is claimed are preparing a bargain £20million offer ahead of the January transfer window. Chelsea will reportedly make a decision on whether to allow James to depart.

If the England international does leave for the Spanish capital, it could have repercussions for Three Lions team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool star has been strongly linked with Real this year.

Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season and there has been a surprising lack of updates on his future. The 26-year-old insists he is prioritising talks with the Reds but that has not stopped reports of a switch to Spain.

But a transfer to Real could be scuppered if James goes there first. Otherwise they could face a battle for the right-back position at the Bernabeu, unless Carlo Ancelotti has plans to use Alexander-Arnold in midfield.

Real star Jude Bellingham is close friends with Alexander-Arnold but refused to comment on speculation linking his England colleague with his club. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash between the teams, the 21-year-old said: “I’ll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway. That will be a guarantee.

“But he’s a Liverpool player and it would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game [on Wednesday] and talk about something that could be misconstrued so it’s important to take that pressure off him. I want him to do really well normally. Just not [on Wednesday].”