The latest transfer news coming out of Chelsea involves an England international in Raheem Sterling, with the winger now a free agent. But Chelsea were offered the chance to sign another England star.
It was confirmed prior to Wednesday night’s win over Napoli that Raheem Sterling’s contract had been ripped up. The former Man City and Liverpool ace had 18 months left to run on his Stamford Bridge deal.
Sterling was Chelsea’s highest earner, pocketing a massive £325,000 a week before deductions. It is said that Chelsea may have had to fork out £22m to terminate Sterling’s deal, unless there was a compromise.
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Ironically, Sterling is a target for Antonio Conte’s Napoli. Whether he moves abroad or remains in this country, time will tell. But another England international was considered by Chelsea in recent weeks.
Chelsea offered Ruben Loftus-Cheek return this month
After coming through the Chelsea academy, 11-time England star Loftus-Cheek would go on to play a massive 155 games for Chelsea and have a hand in 28 goals, before his eventual permanent exit in 2023.
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Loftus-Cheek left on loan twice prior to his permanent exit and has since impressed in Italy. But with 18 months left on his contract, 30-year-old Loftus-Cheek might be considering his next move very soon.
TeamTalk claim that a handful of Premier League clubs were offered Loftus-Cheek earlier this month, including Chelsea. The Blues considered it, given the need for a midfielder and links with Douglas Luiz.
Of course, Loftus-Cheek would be a homegrown option should he ever return to Stamford Bridge. But, Chelsea were stopped in their tracks, with Loftus-Cheek opting to remain at Milan for the time being.
Would Ruben Loftus-Cheek be a good signing for Chelsea?
While a January move does not look as if it will materialise, time is only going to reduce on his Milan deal and as things stand, it would be a surprise to see Milan hand Loftus-Cheek an extension on his contract.
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Chelsea have been offered Loftus-Cheek this month…
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The signing of Loftus-Cheek would go against the ethos of BlueCo, who want to sign young players with big potential and massive resale value. Chelsea have Kendry Paez out on loan, who is set for River Plate.
But the chances are, when the summer window comes around, Chelsea will target a midfielder but it won’t be Loftus-Cheek. Especially, with Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo likely to be fit come the summer.
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