According to a recent report by the Sun, Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is being linked with a move away from West London with Bournemouth and West Ham United ready to battle it out for his services. The same report has also stated that both clubs want to initially recruit the English prospect on loan with a view of signing him on a permanent transfer at the end of this campaign.
The former Crystal Palace star has found game time limited under Maurizio Sarri this season so a move to another English club could make sense as he would have a greater chance of playing on a regular basis in the Premier League if he joins a club like Bournemouth or West Ham.
The English talent had a great season last term when he experienced a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace. His incredible displays for the Eagles on the pitch saw him earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
However, things have all gone downhill for him this season with Sarri starving him of first-team opportunities as the likes of Jorginho, NGolo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley are all ahead of him in the Stamford Bridge pecking order.
Loftus-Cheek is a strong presence in midfield who has developed a habit of making some lung-bursting runs into the opposition penalty box. He is always looking to be positive on the ball and is a real goal-threat from midfield. However, his work-rate off the ball has a lot of room for improvement while his finishing has also let him down in the past.
The English talent has all the makings of a classy midfielder as long as he is given the right platform to showcase his ability at the top level. Unless Sarri decides to hand Loftus-Cheek more first-team chances shortly, he should depart the club either on loan or permanently in January.
Both Kovacic and Barkley have been far from consistent this season while Kante has also been found out at times as he adjusts to life as a box to box midfielder. Hence, it should be baffling for the Chelsea supporters to witness their manager leave Loftus-Cheek out when he could clearly be a significant asset for the Pensioners at the centre of the park.
It will be a big mistake by Sarri if he ends up parting ways with the England international as Loftus-Cheek has the potential to be a Chelsea great if the club shows more faith in his abilities.
