On the pitch, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr and Chelsea defender Reece James have been foes on more than one occasion.
However, off it, Vinicius Jr and James have struck up a bit of a surprise friendship.
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Vinicius Jr has actually been linked to Chelsea, with the Brazilian yet to sign a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His current deal expires next year, so Real Madrid will want to address his situation immediately.
Vinicius Junior left winger of Real Madrid and Brazil during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Vinicius Jr reveals he’s ‘good friends’ with Reece James
If Vinicius Jr does decide to leave Real Madrid this summer, James will have the opportunity to get in his ears.
In a recent interview with Ibai on YouTube, the 25-year-old revealed that he is actually quite close with the Chelsea captain.
“We Brazilians are almost always together off the field, but from other teams who aren’t Brazilian, Reece James — I’m very good friends with him,” Vinicius said.
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring
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James would surely welcome Vinicius to Stamford Bridge, then, but he would not be the only one.
The attacker’s compatriots Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos all play for Chelsea and would probably be happy to see him join the club.
Chelsea are stacked with wingers, though, including Pedro Neto, who bagged a hat-trick against Hull City last Friday. They will probably need to sell the Portuguese and perhaps another wide man before they can sign Vinicius.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid and Reece James of Chelsea embrace
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Crazy Vinicius Jr and Chelsea transfer rumour
While Chelsea fans would be delighted if the club signed a world-class forward like Vinicius Jr, it is very unlikely to happen.
Vinicius Jr does not fit Chelsea’s transfer strategy, though that has not stopped all of this speculation.
There has even been one rumour that Chelsea have demanded Vinicius Jr in a potential swap deal involving Enzo Fernandez.
However, Fernandez is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now. There is no way Chelsea are going to be willing to part ways with him this summer.
Ultimately, Vinicius Jr and James’ friendship is going to have to continue off the pitch. It would be a shock if they became teammates at Chelsea.
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