RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK is reportedly in “concrete talks” over a major transfer abroad after 19 years at Chelsea.
And that would see him reunited with two former Blues team-mates.
Loftus-Cheek, 27, has one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.
But he has struggled to hold down a spot in the starting XI throughout his time in the senior team.
Now, though, he is said to be exploring the possibility of a move away amid talk he could be forced out to create space in the over-inflated squad.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Loftus-Cheek is in positive negotiations with AC Milan regarding a summer switch – having first joined Chelsea in 2004 aged eight.
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AC Milan are looking to overhaul their midfield and have identified the ten-cap England international as a suitable candidate.
Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, is said to be keen on the possibility of moving to the San Siro.
A transfer to Milan was first reported back in March but it is reported the talks are now progressing “very well”.
Should he make the move, the midfielder would link up with ex-Chelsea men Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori for the Italian giants.
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Both former Blues stars swapped West London for Milan in 2021 and helped the Rossoneri reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Loftus-Cheek has struggled to consistent game time this season – especially with Todd Boehly spending more than £600million on new signings.
Fellow midfielders Enzo Fernandez, Denis Zakaria and Carney Chukwuemeka have provided direct competition in the centre of midfield, as has Conor Gallagher after returning from his loan at Crystal Palace.
Chelsea also have the experienced pair of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as well as Mason Mount all battling for a place in the team.
Academy-graduate Loftus-Cheek – who has at times filled in at full-back – has made 30 first-team appearances so far this season, including 17 Premier League starts.
However, he has chipped in with just two assists and is yet to register a goal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
