Loftus-Cheek Recall
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is worried that Chelsea will recall Ruben Loftus-Cheek from his season-long loan at the club early. The midfielder joined the Eagles on loan at the start of the season, and has impressed with some great performances. Palace boss Hodgson says Chelsea have the option to recall Loftus-Cheek in January, and could exercise the option in the New Year. The 21-year-old is a regular starter at Selhurst Park, and his performances earned him a call-up to the senior England squad earlier this month. Last season, Nathan Ake’s season-long loan at Bournemouth was cut short in January, as the Dutchman played a bit-part in the second half the season.
Arp Close
Chelsea are reportedly close to completing the signing of 17-year-old Jann Fiete Arp from Hamburg. The striker has caught the eye of many European clubs including Real Madrid and Juventus, but recent reports suggest that the German has decided to move to Stamford Bridge. He could have been a Chelsea player in the summer, but Arp turned down a move due to his age. If a January move is completed, it is believed that the Blues will loan him back to Hamburg for the rest of the season, so the player can gain first-team experience.
Aubameyang Offered
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been offered to Chelsea, as Borussia Dortmund are looking to sell the striker in January, reports have suggested. The Gabon international has fallen out with manager Peter Bosz in recent weeks, and was recently suspended by the club. Aubameyang has been linked with a move to West London in recent seasons, with the striker reportedly one of Antonio Conte’s striking targets in the summer, before opting for Alvaro Morata. Currently, the Blues only have two first-team strikers with Morata and Michy Batshuayi, and Aubameyang could provide good competition for both players.