Lazio to sign Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek?

Serie A giants Lazio have emerged as surprise contenders to sign midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The England international has not made an appearance for the Blues since May 2019 following a serious Achilles injury but he is likely to make his comeback when the season restarts after the coronavirus shutdown.

Blues boss Frank Lampard has already said that he is looking forward to get the best out of Loftus-Cheek but Il Messaggero has made the surprise claim that the midfielder could head for the exit door.

Loftus-Cheek has more than four years remaining on his contract with the west London side but it is suggested that Lazio will look to sign him for around £17.5m when the transfer window reopens.

The midfielder would want the assurance of regular gametime when he returns from his long-term injury but that remains far from guaranteed with the likes of Jorginho, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic in the mix.

There is no indication that the Blues will sanction his sale during the summer but their stance may change, suppose they need to recoup funds to boost their transfer kitty for new purchases.