Maurizio Sarri set to raid Chelsea for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marcos Alonso once confirmed as new Lazio boss

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK and Marcos Alonso are reportedly being lined up by former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri for a move to Lazio.

Both players were regulars during the Italian’s single season at Stamford Bridge but have not been guaranteed a starting spot since.

A bad heel injury ended Loftus-Cheek’s 2018-19 campaign before the Europa League final win over Arsenal, after a career-high 40 appearances during the season.

Alonso played 39 times but was subsequently outcast by Frank Lampard, only to be brought back in having suited Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 system.

According to Calciomercato, the full-back position is the first priority for Sarri when he completes his anticipated move to Lazio.

The coach is said to see Alonso, 30, as a top target but the financial aspects of the deal have not yet been revealed.

A bid for Loftus-Cheek would initially be on a loan basis, as reported by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

But, like Fikayo Tomori’s switch to AC Milan, Lazio reportedly want to agree an option to buy the midfielder permanently at the end of next season.

The 25-year-old spent 2020-21 on loan at Fulham and SunSport understand Southampton are also keen on his services.

Much will depend on Thomas Tuchel’s plan both Loftus-Cheek and Alonso ahead of a potentially busy summer in the transfer market.

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Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are both touted as Chelsea targets and players may need to be sold to fund a mega signing.

Meanwhile, ex-Blues boss Sarri is due to sign a two-year deal with Serie A side Lazio imminently.

Napoli full-back Elseid Hysaj, who the 62-year-old brought with him from Empoli to the San Paolo in 2015, is out of contract and another target.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk