Chelsea may be forced into a decision regarding Ruben Loftus-Cheek's future at the club in the January transfer window. The 26-year-old midfielder has been thinly-linked with an exit from the club lately with just 18 months remaining on his deal in west London.
Loftus-Cheek, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2024, has featured 20 times for the Blues in the Premier League this term, directly contributing towards one goal from both central-midfield and right wing-back. His impressive displays have seen the Cobham graduate grow into a key member of the squad.
With Jorginho and N'Golo Kante both set to leave Chelsea at the end of the season once their contracts are up, Loftus-Cheek is set for a fruitful future. But, with interest in his signature growing and not so long left on his deal, the Blues will soon have to decide whether to stick or twist.
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According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, as quoted by Sports Illustrated, AC Milan are admirers of the midfielder. The report states that Chelsea have the option to extend Loftus-Cheek's stay until 2025 and Todd Boehly looks 'increasingly willing' to exercise said clause in a bid to ward off potential suitors.
In October when the two sides met in the Champions League group stages, Calciomercato reported that Rossoneri directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara met with senior higher-ups at Stamford Bridge. In the meeting, Milan informed the Blues of their interest in Loftus-Cheek but their advances were shut down.
The England international featured in each of Chelsea's clashes with the Serie A champions, winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and 2-0 at the San Siro. Speaking after the west Londoners' home win over Milan, Loftus-Cheek explained how Potter has improved Chelsea.
"Really delighted [with the win], there’s a really good mood in the changing room," he said. "Fantastic performance from us, the energy straight from the start.
"We endured and suffered at times in the game, we had to, but we came through that. We were ruthless with the chances, that’s been the difference. We’ve had many games where we’ve played well but just couldn’t finish it off, tonight we took our chances."
Many of the younger players in the Chelsea squad will look up to Loftus-Cheek as an example of how to break into the first team. And, with Boehly seemingly eager to sign a wealth of teenage talent, the £22million-rated star could prove to be a crucial piece in the American billionaire's puzzle.
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