Transfer News: Crystal Palace interested in taking Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan
London rivals Crystal Palace are keen to take Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan this summer, according to The Sun (h/t Metro). The midfielder has continued his endless struggle to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge.
Loftus-Cheek had previously spent the 2017/18 season on loan at Selhurst Park. It was a very successful one as he even made the England national team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Now, they are interested in the 26-year-old once again.
A Chelsea youth academy product, the player has struggled to cement his place in the team. He has been on the fringe of the first team ever since making his senior debut eight years ago and remains in that same situation under Thomas Tuchel too.
The former England international managed to make 40 appearances for the Blues last season in all competitions, scoring one and assisting five in the process. Palace are looking to tempt the midfielder back to the club where he would be offered more regular playing time, just like he got last time.
If he stays at the Bridge, he will have to fight for his place in the team against top midfielders. It is very unlikely that his playing time will improve next season. A loan deal could benefit him as he could potentially get more minutes elsewhere.
Palace also had Conor Gallagher on loan last season. Seeing his great success during that stint where he also won the Eagles’ Player of the Year award, it is certainly a well-trodden path from Stamford Bridge to Selhurst Park.
Gallagher’s return to Tuchel’s team this summer also opens up a place to fill for Patrick Vieira in his team. Given how good the 22-year-old central midfielder was last season, the French manager would undoubtedly want to fill the void he has left in his midfield.
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The offer from Palace could potentially tempt Loftus-Cheek. After all, he had one of his best spells there. But it remains to be seen if the clubs go through with this move this summer and if the midfielder himself would want to switch Chelsea for Palace.