Ruben Loftus-Cheek was buried deep on Chelsea’s depth chart at the start of this season, with Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic all battling for just two spots in midfield, leaving RLC on the outside.
But injuries, Covid and formation changes meant that the academy product ended up with 24 appearances in the league alone in the end, mainly in his favoured central midfield spot but also at wing back and in defence.
That has only raised interest in his services going forward, and Lazio’s desire to sign him is well documented, with former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri a huge fan, having given the 26 year old his breakout season when he was Blues boss.
Jonathan Barnett, Loftus-Cheek’s agent, has been speaking in quotes picked up by the Laziali:
“He and Sarri have a very good relationship, but for the moment there is nothing. Despite the phase of change, Chelsea are still a top club. It is difficult to leave such a club.”
So he’s certainly not ruling anything out, but he’s also not making a move seem eminently possible.
It’s an interesting moment for RLC. Does he try and build on an impressive number of appearances this season, or recognise that it was exceptional and that he should move on while the going is good?
RLC development should continue in another League
There should be a buy- back clause in the agreement.Let have an opportunity to play at least thirty games in a season and let’s see how far he can go