Chelsea have reportedly turned their attention to Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries this summer, in a move that could affect Reece James.
Thomas Tuchel has been desperate to bolster his backline this summer and the Blues need to get some deals done before the new season starts.
Following the losses of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who have moved to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, Chelsea have been left with gaps to fill.
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So far both Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly have been acquired by Tuchel, but the head coach still wants four more new additions.
While Tuchel is pleased with the ‘two quality players’ the Blues have signed, following the embarrassing 4-0 defeat at the hands of London rivals Arsenal he continued to hint at how important it is that the defence is reinforced.
Central defenders have been the main priority for Chelsea but Tuchel has also been keen to add a new wing-back to the side, the latest reports suggest that they could be eyeing up a move for Inter Milan defender Dumfries.
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The 26-year-old only made the switch from PSV to Inter last season where he made 45 appearances in all competitions from the right wing-back position.
Valued at €40 million, the Dutchman could provide more depth and be a good option to utilise.
He could potentially be a starter in the wing-back slot as well and this could spell a big change for 22-year-old James.
Considering the lack of depth Chelsea have amongst their central defenders at the moment, James could be required to play in a right-centre back role that he has been tested in before.
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The England international is extremely versatile and previously revealed he is ‘happy to play’ any position that Tuchel requires.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website he was asked about what his best position is, he responded: “I don’t really look or listen to any of that, wherever I’m asked to play, I’ll do my best and try to help the team as much as I can.”
He added: “I personally prefer to play wing-back out of the two positions, but Thomas is the manager and I’m the player, so wherever I’m required to play, I’ll always play.”
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Even though James is a fan of his usual position, that change could still be made.
The difficulty in this decision is that while the youngster is immense defensively, he can offer so much going forward and that might be diminished should he move further backwards.
He is a wonderful crosser of the ball, and last season he picked up nine assists in just 26 Premier League appearances.
Should Dumfries be signed and take that spot with James moving into the back three, the right side would be extremely strong.
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If the Blues are to fail in their attempts to bring in another central defender this window, James playing in the back three could become more probable than possible, as Tuchel’s side will need more cover centrally.
Currently the Blues reported targets are Wesley Fofana, Presnel Kimpembe and Dumfries’ Inter teammate Milan Skriniar.
Chelsea fans will have to wait and see as to how the window unfolds, but one thing for certain is that the west London side need to make some additions and fast.
Topics: Chelsea, Reece James, Inter Milan, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Transfers
Sam Collins