Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave Chelsea this summer as Napoli plot move
According to corrieredellosport.it (h/t football.london), Napoli are keen on a move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer. The Italian giants are trying to make a late swoop for the player, who was also eyed by Lazio earlier this summer.
The 25-year-old, who is a Cobham academy graduate, spent last season on loan at Fulham and managed 33 appearances across all competitions. However, he did not help the London club avoid relegation as Fulham finished 18th and were sent back into the Championship.
Loftus-Cheek, however, did return back to Stamford Bridge this summer for pre-season training. He went on to feature in the pre-season games against Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth while he also started the game against Arsenal.
These led to the player making it in the squad for the UEFA Super Cup final, however, the Englishman remained an unused substitute on the day.
The player missed out on the club’s opening two Premier League games after he contracted the Covid-19 disease and had to be in isolation for at least 10 days, according to the UK Government guidelines.
Loftus-Cheek returned to the bench on Saturday against Liverpool but was an unused substitute again as Thomas Tuchel preferred bringing Trevoh Chalobah as a midfield substitute rather than the 25-year-old. Although a lot of that may be down to match-fitness, Loftus-Cheek could struggle for game-time this season.
The Stamford Bridge outfit’s central midfield department is stacked, while Tuchel also has enough attacking midfielders in the squad. Thus, the Englishman is well down the pecking order, and a move away from the club would benefit him.
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While it remains to be seen whether the Italian outfit is eyeing a loan or a permanent move, the Blues might like a decent financial return if Napoli seek a permanent transfer.