Serie A side Lazio are targeting Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with manager Maurizio Sarri keen on a reunion.
According to reports in Corriere dello Sport (via Fichajes), Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is keen on a reunion with Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek and has requested the Lazio board to complete the signing this summer. The Serie A side are preparing for the exit of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and are looking for possible replacements.
A Chelsea youth product, Loftus-Cheek’s best season in the Blues’ jersey came under Sarri in the 2018/19 season. He made 40 appearances for the club in the season, scoring ten and assisting five goals across competitions. He was especially impressive in the Europa League, playing a crucial role in their title run with four goals and three assists.
The England midfielder’s form took a hit following Sarri’s departure, with an Achilles tendon rupture playing catalyst. The injury kept him out for the majority of the 2019/20 season, and he was subsequently sent on loan to Fulham the following season. He made 30 league appearances for them but scored just one goal.
He has not been used all too regularly by current manager Thomas Tuchel and the midfielder could seek greener pastures in the summer. Loftus-Cheek’s former manager Sarri seems to have given him a way out, reportedly requesting the Lazio board to sign up the 26-year-old if Milinkovic-Savic leaves this summer, amid widespread interest.
Milinkovic-Savic, on the other hand, has been linked with Manchester United recently and the Red Devils are reportedly preparing a bumper offer for the Serbian international. And Lazio are now looking to replace him with Loftus-Cheek.
The aforementioned report states that the England international could cost Lazio up to €20 million. They could request Chelsea to lower their asking price, but it is expected that they will enough funds to complete the move. Lazio are set to earn between €60 to €70 million from Milinkovic-Savic’s sale, which would facilitate their move for the Chelsea midfielder.
Loftus-Cheek will have two years remaining on his contract with the Blues after the ongoing season. But it is unlikely that he will feature prominently in Tuchel’s plans. Therefore, the two clubs could try to work things out in the upcoming summer transfer window and reach an agreement eventually.
