Chelsea line up Reece James replacement, with Englishman ruled out for extended period: report

Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on December 06, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea are looking to sign a replacement for Reece James, after the right-back suffered a hamstring injury against Everton last weekend.

James limped off the Goodison Park pitch in the 26th minute, with Chelsea later confirming his injury. The England right-back is now set to see a hamstring specialist to put aside his injury woes, leaving Chelsea with just Malo Gusto available.

Gusto, though, has also faced fitness issues this term, so the Blues are ready to enter the transfer market to bring in a new right-back in the January transfer window. 

Reece James of Chelsea controls the ball during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on November 25, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

James' recent injury could see Chelsea enter the transfer market (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi, who could be available for around £30m.

Though primarily a centre-back, Elvedi is also a capable right-back who has filled in there for both his club and at national team level for Switzerland. The 27-year-old's versatility makes him an attractive prospect for the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge, with defensive issues still in need of addressing.

While Reece James' and Malo Gusto's fitness has been a problem, the age of Thiago Silva, availability of Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, the performances of Axel Disasi have all been cause for concern at Chelsea this term.

Nico Elvedi of Borussia Moenchengladbach during the Round of 16 DFB Cup match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and VfL Wolfsburg at Borussia-Park on December 05, 2023 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Christian Verheyen/Borussia Moenchengladbach via Getty Images) Chelsea target

Elvedi is a target for Chelsea (Image credit: Getty Images)

Elvedi, therefore, could prove the perfect foil for Mauricio Pochettino's side, with the Swiss defender also reportedly keen on a Premier League move in the near future. 

The report suggests that Elvedi has recently signed with super-agent Pini Zahavi, who represents Robert Lewandowski, Aleksandr Mitrovic and Chelsea new-boy Christopher Nkunku. 

Elvedi's Monchengladbach contract still has three-and-a-half years remaining, though, meaning the Blues will be required to stump up a large transfer fee in order to bring him to the club. 

More Chelsea stories 

Every player the Blues have signed since Todd Boehly became owner.

Are Chelsea facing a point deduction? Why fans should be worried about the Blues' future in the Premier League. 

Jules Breach on why Mauricio Pochettino needs time and trust

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.