Brighton & Hove Albion are ready to test Chelsea’s resolve as reports have emerged they are trying very rigidly to secure the services of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Brighton have just secured a promotion and are looking for reinforcements for next season as they will be playing in the top tier in the next season. Loftus-Cheek is very highly rated among Chelsea and Brighton will be looking for a loan move for the time being.
Antonio Conte guided his team to the Premier League title in his maiden season in the Premier League. The Italian would add a significant number of players in the summer which might allow the player to leave the Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis. The 21-year-old could have left the West London club much before but on Conte’s insistence, he remained at the club as the Italian wanted sufficient backup options for a hectic season. The 21-year old can play in a number of positions in the midfield which might attract the newly promoted side to make a move for him.
The midfielder is probably the only youngster who stayed with Chelsea and hasn’t appeared for any other club in a loan move. But the lack of game time has been a concern for him as he has hardly been used by Conte this season. He hasn’t started a single game in the Premier League this season and all the matches in which he has featured are from reserve bench. Chelsea believes the player could be the next big thing at the club but he needs to have more game time to develop his footballing sense.
Brighton could offer him the chance of regular game time as the side doesn’t have the money to splash on new players. Conte also seemed to have liked the idea of loaning him to some other clubs as the Manager hinted there could be some movement regarding his transfer.
“Ruben is a really good player and he is an important prospect for me. We have to take the best decision for him next season, the best solution. But for sure, Ruben is a young player, from our Academy with a good prospect to become a Chelsea player.”
The 21-year-old playmaker has attracted the interest of a number of clubs including the likes of Swansea, Watford and Middlesbrough. A move to Boro is not possible as it would be a bit of step down for him. Chelsea are likely to offer the player if any club gives the assurance of to include him in the starting lineup regularly. An offer from Brighton is possibly on the way and the player might be seen wearing a different shirt for the first time.
