Why Chelsea must cash in on Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer

According to the Il Messaggero (h/t Daily Mail), Lazio are plotting a move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer.

Lazio under Simone Inzaghi have enjoyed a successful campaign this season as they sit at second place, just one point behind leaders Juventus in the league table. With the side securing an almost certain Champions League spot next season, they are now looking to bolster their squad and have seen Blues midfielder Loftus-Cheek as a potential target.

Lazio last featured in the European competition in 2015/16 season and it’s no big surprise that they are on the lookout for new faces to help them. Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, has spent the major share of the season on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon late last season.

The versatile midfielder seemed to be in good form, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists from 40 appearances across all competitions before injury ruled him out. The Englishman has finally returned from his 12-month injury lay off. However, he has been unlucky to be not a part of the youthful revolution at Chelsea this season under Frank Lampard.

Loftus-Cheek surplus to requirements at Chelsea

Chelsea, who faced a transfer ban earlier in the summer, had to rely on the side’s group of young academy players this season after failing to make any new summer signings. This saw the likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Reece James, and Fikayo Tomori among many others breaking into the first-team setup this term under Lampard.

To add to it, 18-year-old Billy Gilmour became the latest to join the group of youngsters, making seven appearances for the Blues, impressing both manager Lampard and the fans.

With Chelsea already having as many as nine midfielders in their ranks, Loftus-Cheek’s chances seem increasingly limited at the moment. Also, with teenager Gilmour and a few others waiting in the line, opportunities may be rare for Loftus-Cheek in the coming days.

Having played 72 games for the Blues, racking up 12 and 10 assists, there is no questioning the powerful midfielder’s potential. However, given the number of midfielders in the side already, he seems surplus to the club’s requirements at the moment.

Hence, it would be better for Chelsea to cash in on their midfielder and use that money to invest in areas that need improvement. The report claims the Blues could demand £17.5million.

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• Chelsea willing to offer £4.8m for 19-year-old Derby starlet Max Bird – Should Lampard go ahead with this?

Verdict

Chelsea have enough resources in the middle, which includes top stars such as N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho. They are well stacked in that department and opportunities will also be rare for Loftus-Cheek, considering the good form the current players are in. Hence, Chelsea should sell their academy graduate and give him the opportunity to play elsewhere.