Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has become a priority summer target for Serie A side Lazio, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 26-year-old has proved to be a valuable piece in Thomas Tuchel’s plans since his surprise inclusion in the squad last summer.
While he has had just 12 starts in the Premier League this season, the midfielder plays the role of a utility player brilliantly so far.
He has already played as a number six, a number eight, a right wing-back, and even a centre-back.
Still, at this point in his career and with his talent, he should be more than just a squad player.
The prospect of moving to Italy could therefore be too attractive to turn down for Loftus-Cheek.
The Italian club is reportedly looking for a potential replacement for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is expected to leave the club in the summer.
It is quite interesting that Lazio considers Loftus-Cheek as an ideal player to replace Milinkovic-Savic despite the former’s having spent most of the season playing a more defensive role under Tuchel.
Well, the easiest explanation would be that Maurizio Sarri proposed the idea.
There are very few people who know Loftus-Cheek’s potential as a player more than Sarri, under whom the midfielder had his arguably best season in 2018/19.
The report claims that the England international, whose Chelsea contract runs until 2024, is valued at €20million (roughly £17m), although Lazio may opt to offer a loan deal instead.
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