Reece James insists ‘nothing is going to change’ at Chelsea with incoming owner Todd Boehly

Reece James insists Chelsea’s ambition will not be dimmed even as they move on from the Roman Abramovich era of excess.

‘Nothing is going to change,’ the defender said after Chelsea’s win over Watford, when incoming owner Todd Boehly greeted Thomas Tuchel’s squad following the final whistle.

Abramovich’s lavish spending helped Chelsea land 19 major trophies in 19 years. Once the £4.25billion takeover is completed, this summer represents the first test of Boehly’s willingness to spend.

Todd Boehly is set to complete his £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea from Roman Abramovich

Reece James spoke about meeting Boehly and doesn’t expect anything to change with him

‘It’s been a strange moment for the club with the change in owners,’ James said. ‘It’s going to be different moving forward. The ambition is still going to be the same. We’re a massive club in the world and our aim is to win every trophy we can.’ 

On Boehly, he added: ‘I spoke to him briefly. I know he’s passionate about the club, his aim is to win. We’re not just going to change to a club that’s participating… everyone that plays at this club is ambitious. 

‘You’re playing at this club for a reason. The quality of players is so high. No matter the owner, we’re the ones that go out and perform on the pitch and next season we will have more competitions to play and hopefully get a few more trophies under our belt.’ 

This long, difficult campaign ended with two pieces of silverware – the Super Cup and Club World Cup – but Chelsea lost both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals on penalties.

Chelsea won two pieces of silverware but also lost two cups final to Liverpool this season

James said he would not be happy with another season like this, despite all the turbulence caused by sanctions.

‘It could have affected us in the wrong way but I don’t think too many of us read into it,’ he said.

As Sportsmail reported, Boehly is aware of the urgency to tie down James and his fellow academy graduate Mason Mount to new deals.

James has had a fine season but admits that it has been his worst campaign for injuries

But James, who has three years left at his boyhood club, said ‘at the moment there is nothing going on with a contract.’ The 22-year-old created Ross Barkley’s winner against Watford to cap another fine campaign – albeit one blighted by injury. It was no comfort for James to know his absence was keenly felt.

‘I don’t really want to be out for people to say that he’s missed. I want to be playing every game I can and this season has probably been my worst season for injuries. 

‘I’ve picked up more than I ever have before. That’s something I need to work on going into the new season.  I’m sure there are a few things I can adapt or change going into the new season, to try and change and make sure I don’t reoccur the same injuries.’