Liverpool boss Arne Slot (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool have been urged to pursue the audacious signing of Chelsea captain Reece James to upgrade Arne Slot’s defensive options.
Injury problems have plagued James in recent campaigns, but he has looked back to his very best this season under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
The 26-year-old is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is back running on the grass, but despite the recent setback there is no questioning that James has been one of Chelsea’s standout players this term.
Such performances saw James rewarded with a new contract until 2032 last month, but there remains an air of uncertainty over the long-term future of several key Chelsea players in the wake of comments by Enzo Fernandes and Marc Cucurella.
Both players questioned the club’s decision to sack Maresca and its transfer policy, while Fernandez appeared to publicly court a move to Real Madrid.
And former Blues full-back Glen Johnson believes Arne Slot’s side should try to capitalise on that uncertainty and lure James away from the Chelsea project to Anfield in the summer.
‘To be honest, given how versatile Reece James is, I think he’d suit anyone,’ Johnson told Boyle Sports.
Get personalised football updates every day
Sign up to our daily football newsletter and choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more about your favourite team.
Reece James has had a stellar season at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
‘Because in terms of his ability, he can do a job all over the pitch. He’s a fantastic player, but to have that versatility in your squad is invaluable.
‘He could fill in at left-back, play centre-half in a back three, or be a right wing-back or a midfielder. I think he would genuinely suit any club, especially one going through a few changes or dealing with injuries.
‘Players like him are hard to find because I don’t think he would go to a club expecting to play 50 games at right-back, for example. It’s not going to happen.
The Blues skipper is under contract until 2028 (Picture: Getty)
‘So, to have a player who can adapt and do whatever the team and squad need, I think a lot of teams would want that option.’
Johnson continued: ‘I’d love to see him at Liverpool, that’s for sure. I think he would suit Liverpool, probably more so than Arsenal.
More Trending
-
Arsenal suffer another injury blow as midfield star suffers 'setback'
Channel: Football Football 17 hours ago By Tony Mogan - Ruud Gullit hails Arsenal star as 'one of the finest players in the Premier League'
- Arsenal set asking price for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri after Man Utd interest
- Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Bournemouth
‘And I think Manchester United would probably want him as well. But Liverpool could be a very good fit, to be honest.
‘We spoke about the right-back option with Jeremie Frimpong and others, but as I said, Reece isn’t going to go to a club and play a solid 40 games in one position. He just isn’t.
‘So, to have him as an option, perhaps in midfield, especially since Liverpool are still in all competitions and will have so many games, injuries, and suspensions, I think he’d be perfect.
‘Yes, I’d love to see him land at Liverpool.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arrow MORE: Arsenal told they ‘should have signed’ £60m Chelsea star instead of Viktor Gyokeres
Arrow MORE: Mikel Arteta told £80m Chelsea target ‘would walk into Arsenal’s team’
Arrow MORE: Liam Rosenior calls Chelsea star ‘best in the world’ ahead of Man City clash
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source Football Newsletter – In The MixerPunchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.
Team Expand Options ? Select All Select All Arsenal Arsenal Aston Villa Aston Villa Bournemouth Bournemouth Brighton Brighton Burnley Burnley Chelsea Chelsea Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Everton Everton Fulham Fulham Leeds United Leeds United Liverpool Liverpool Manchester City Manchester City Manchester United Manchester United Newcastle Newcastle Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest Sunderland Sunderland Tottenham Tottenham West Ham West Ham Wolves Wolves Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy