Transfer News: Chelsea offer underused midfielder to Serie A giants

Transfer News: Chelsea offer Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Inter Milan

According to Football Insider (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have offered Inter Milan the services of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is one of the players the club plans to sell this summer.

While the 26-year-old was an essential member of Chelsea’s squad last season, he was not a significant player. Thomas Tuchel mostly used him as a utility player, playing him in a variety of positions, including right wing-back, to offer cover for others.

Loftus-Cheek might be regarded as surplus to requirements if Tuchel decides to bolster the squad this summer, especially given the amount of returning loanees set to compete for first-team berths.

Chelsea are planning to sell Loftus-Cheek this summer as his contract at Chelsea expires in 2024. It is believed that the Blues have offered the 26-year-old to Inter Milan who have been watching the development of the Cobham graduate. 

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be seen in a different colour next seaosn.
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be seen in a different colour next season.

Chelsea have had the 26-year-old on their books for his whole professional career. Despite making his senior debut in December 2014, the gifted midfielder has never been a first-team regular. He has made 122 appearances during that time and scored 13 goals, with a majority of them coming off the bench.

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When given the chance, the Blues midfielder has performed admirably in recent years. That said, he must seize this opportunity to firmly establish his command over the team. For that to happen, he’ll have to live up to Tuchel’s high expectations.

Perhaps there was never a better time for Loftus-Cheek to make his case than last season. N’Golo Kante and Jorginho have been inconsistent this season, and Mateo Kovacic spent some time on the sidelines due to injury. However, it seems as if Tuchel has been far from impressed.

Chelsea's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek controls the ball during the English Premier League football match. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek controls the ball during the English Premier League football match. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Mason Mount’s emergence has decreased the chances for Loftus-Cheek to secure a cemented spot. Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour are expected to return from loan spells at the end of this season. Keeping all that in mind, things don’t look very bright for the Englishman. 

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Considering the aforementioned points, it seems improbable that he would get many chances if he stays at Chelsea. Hence, the Blues should look to acquire significant funds from his transfer which can be then used for new signings elsewhere on the pitch.