What Next For Ruben Loftus-Cheek?

Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly keen on signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with the player’s contract set to expire in 15 months’ time. According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, AC Milan have been monitoring the 27-year-old for some time and have been in talks with Chelsea since October 2020 when the two sides met in the Champions League group stage.

AC Milan are said to be willing to pay around £22million for Loftus-Cheek, who has struggled to establish himself in the first team at Stamford Bridge. He made his Chelsea debut nearly a decade ago, but apart from a brief spell under Maurizio Sarri, he has failed to cement his place in the squad.

Loftus-Cheek has impressed during his loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham, but he is currently down the pecking order at Chelsea behind the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mateo Kovacic, and N’Golo Kante. With Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly looking to sell off any unwanted assets in the summer to reduce the squad, Loftus-Cheek is likely to be one of the first out the exit door.

The midfielder’s contract with Chelsea expires in the summer of 2024, but with his limited playing time, a move to AC Milan could be an attractive option for him. The Italian giants have a rich history and are currently flying high at the top of Serie A, and a move to the San Siro could provide Loftus-Cheek with the opportunity to play regular first-team football.

There has been no comment from Chelsea on the rumours linking Loftus-Cheek with a move to AC Milan, and it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will indeed leave the club at the end of the season. However, with the likes of Fernandez, Kovacic, and Kante ahead of him in the pecking order, it seems likely that he will be looking for more playing time elsewhere.

Loftus-Cheek has made 23 appearances for Chelsea this season, but only 9 of them have been starts, and he has scored just 1 goal.