Chelsea are reportedly willing to use Ruben Loftus-Cheek as part of a deal to sign Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.
According to Calcio Mercato, the Blues are in pole position to sign the Frenchman and could be willing to allow the academy graduate to go the other way to get the deal done.
Rabiot has just one year left on his contract in Turin, and has been reported to be on the list of a number of Premier League teams.
The Telegraph claimed last week that the midfielder’s strong relationship with Thomas Tuchel makes the player keen on the move, with him being available for around £15m.
Now though, Calcio Mercato are claiming the club are willing to offer Loftus-Cheek as part of a deal to the Old Lady, with the England international already linked with a move to rivals Inter Milan.
The academy graduate featured 40 times last season, despite stiff competition in the midfield at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old broke a three-year scoring duck for the club last season, hitting the back of the net in the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.
Loftus-Cheek has already had two spells on loan since graduating to the first team seven years ago, and his inability to become a regular starter since Maurizio Sarri’s departure from the club could see him relish a new challenge.
TCC View
Loftus-Cheek has been unfortunate over the last few seasons to be competing with midfielders like N’golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic for what is usually just two positions.
While Rabiot’s skills are different to the Englishman, it feels like his signing would again be for squad depth, with his price tag a lot more tempting than for someone like Declan Rice.
However, it would be sad to see Loftus-Cheek’s time at the club come to an end in a swap deal for another squad player.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
