Reece James lands dream Chelsea scenario as Real Madrid plot Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer

Reece James has the chance to establish himself as the greatest right-back in Premier League history with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave Liverpool. The 26-year-old defender faces an uncertain future at Anfield, with his Liverpool contract set to expire this summer.

Since the start of the new year, overseas clubs have been eligible to begin pre-contract talks with Alexander-Arnold over a free transfer in the summer. Rather than cash in on the England international during the January transfer window, the Reds refused to be bullied into a sale.

Liverpool stood their ground, banking on Alexander-Arnold penning an extension. If he doesn't sign a new deal then he'll be free to leave at the end of June and the Reds won't be entitled to a compensation fee, missing out on millions.

In fact, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid are working to wrap up a deal for Alexander-Arnold. The report outlines that Los Blancos must inform Liverpool if and when a pre-contract agreement has been reached – but that's not happened yet.

It's said that the Spanish giants have been monitoring the Englishman for two years now. The Athletic add that Real have been doing 'everything in their power' since January to convince Alexander-Arnold to join.

If the Reds defender was to leave Anfield, James would reign over the Premier League in the right-back department. The Cobham graduate hasn't played as many games as his fellow countryman in the past due to various injury problems.

But, with his best days ahead of him, James has the chance to write his name in the history books when Alexander-Arnold leaves the Premier League. The Liverpool defender won't be the first – or the last – player to leave the English top-flight in search of a new challenge.

Alexander-Arnold also won't be the first – or the last – player to have designs on winning the Champions League with Real . In the meantime, James has been enjoying a rich vein of form.

The Chelsea captain fired England to victory at Wembley Stadium on Monday night, securing the Three Lions three crucial points in their World Cup qualifying campaign. James put Thomas Tuchel's side ahead shortly before half-time with an excellent free-kick.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the England boss heaped praise on the right-back, saying: "There cannot be any doubt about Reece's quality, it's the highest level.

"We were in close contact in the last weeks. "We were clear he'd trained without pause and if he didn't play it was the choice of the club, protecting him.

"We knew he was in a good space mentally," added the former Chelsea boss. "I know the quality he has in that foot - it's amazing. He has every right to be happy and proud of his performance. He's in excellent shape.

"When we called him up he hadn't had many games but it wasn't due to injury, they were just taking care and managing him. "He looks sharp and in shape. With his quality, there can be no doubt."

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