Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be in for a surprising change of cards, with Arsenal looking at the star as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsey.
Arsenal are not looking to budge on their transfer stance regarding the contract situation surrounding Aaron Ramsey. With the Welshman likely to run down his contract, the Gunners are scouring the market for a replacement. Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could emerge as one, if a report from Daily Mail is to be believed.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a product of the fabled Chelsea youth setup. The Englishman joined the club at the age of eight and has since gone through his paces at the London-based football club. Highly rated during his teenage years, Loftus-Cheek was earmarked to be part of the batch to finally break the Chelsea mould and break into the first-team setup successfully.
But, almost four years since his senior debut for Chelsea, Loftus-Cheek only has 35 senior appearances for the club. The youngster had a breakthrough season on loan at Crystal Palace that saw him board the flight to Russia. The midfielder was one of the stars to catch attention during England’s 2018 FIFA World Cup journey.
The Chelsea star chose to stay put at the club to fight for his place instead of going on another loan. Sadly, the move has backfired so far, with the midfielder privy to just 99 minutes on the football field this season. Beleaguered at the continuous overlooking by different managers at Chelsea, Loftus-Cheek is likely to seek newer permanent pastures. And according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal could be an option.
The Gunners reinforced their midfield with Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi in the summer. Granit Xhaka has also found form under the new manager. But, Unai Emery could delve into the market for a midfielder in case Arsenal contract rebel Aaron Ramsey ends up leaving, a prospect that looks real with each passing day.
For one, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has already proven himself in the Premier League during his season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace. The Chelsea midfielder has also shown a penchant for the big stage, having impressed for England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Arsenal have almost always taken pride in their English core, something that has depleted massively lately. Loftus-Cheek would also come cheap, considering the fact that the midfielder is disgruntled at a lack of first-team opportunities at Chelsea, who themselves are one of the clubs said to be chasing Ramsey’s signature.
At Arsenal, as Guendouzi has shown, Unai Emery is likely to judge the status of a player based on their performances. That is exactly the surrounding Loftus-Cheek wants himself to be in.
Should Aaron Ramsey leave; and it is more probable than not that he will, Loftus-Cheek could find a new admirer close to his home in the form of Arsenal. Chances are, the midfielder will welcome the approach with open arms.
