Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be reunited with one of his former managers
Jose Mourinho has identified Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek as AS Roma’s top transfer target as the transfer deadline approaches.
Loftus-Cheek’s transfer value was revealed to be around €16-17 million and Mourinho believes he would be an ideal addition to his side.
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According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma consider Loftus-Cheek a priority after missing out on signing Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka when the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a fee.
Mourinho has already strengthened the Giallorossi’s attack with the €40 million signing of Tammy Abraham from Chelsea. His connection with his former club has helped the Italian side secure a permanent deal for the 23 year-old striker.
It was Mourinho who gave the 25-year-old midfielder his first team debut back in 2014 when Loftus-Cheek was only 18.
The English midfielder came through the ranks of Chelsea’s youth system. He’s made 54 appearances and scored seven goals the London club so far.
Loftus-Cheek has suffered serious ligament injuries throughout his career and only resulted in his decline in appearances. He’s gone down the pecking order for Thomas Tuchel.
But Mourinho is reportedly considering reviving the Englishman’s career and Chelsea are willing to let Loftus-Cheek leave Stamford Bridge on an initial loan move with an option to buy for €16 million.
While Loftus-Cheek is at the top of Roma’s list, they are also interested in Borrusia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria and Fulham’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
Loftus-Cheek had an impressive pre season but he eventually missed out on making the squad for the team’s season opener against Crystal Palace.
Tuchel said that Loftus-Cheek was out and officially sidelined after the midfielder was reported to have tested positive for Covid-19.
It was previously rumored that Chelsea wanted to send him out on loan to a Bundesliga side for more game time but the midfielder was keen to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his spot.
Should Loftus-Cheek stay at Chelsea or leave to revive his career?