Maurizio Sarri wants Chelsea man to replace Milinkovic-Savic

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri wants Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to replace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

Milinkovic-Savic has been an excellent contributor for Lazio over the past seven years, but he is eyeing a bigger challenge next term.

He could be sold for around €70 million. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Loftus-Cheek is being eyed as a cost-effective replacement.

The England star had his best spell at Chelsea under Sarri in 2018/19, but he could not complete the season after a serious Achilles injury.

After three years, he has once again become a key figure under Thomas Tuchel, but there remains speculation over his long-term future.

With the Blues eyeing a marquee midfielder, Loftus-Cheek could be tempted to move on in the quest for regular first-team football.

Sarri appears keen on reuniting with him, but there could be interest from Southampton. Loftus-Cheek was valued at £25m last summer.

Crystal Palace have also been linked with him lately. Eagles chairman Steve Parish recently opened the possibility of another loan spell.