Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Join AC Milan in £17.2 Million Deal
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the Chelsea midfielder, is set to complete a move to Italian giants AC Milan in a deal worth up to £17.2 million. The 27-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge in search of regular game time at the San Siro. He is out of contract next summer and has agreed personal terms on a four-year deal.
Loftus-Cheek will join former Chelsea academy graduate Fikayo Tomori at the Serie A club after he made the switch in 2021. He will also link up with Liverpool cult-hero Divock Origi who joined the Rossoneri last summer. The midfielder will bring his long association with the Blues to an end after making his debut in 2014.
The England international spent the 2020/21 season on loan at neighbours Fulham before returning to Stamford Bridge in hope of breaking his way into the starting eleven. However, he will leave Chelsea having made 155 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 18 assists.
Loftus-Cheek’s Best Season
Arguably, Loftus-Cheek’s best season to date came during a highly-successful loan spell at Crystal Palace in the 2017/18 season. He was a key player for the Eagles, scoring twice and providing five assists in 24 Premier League appearances.
Injury Woes
Unfortunately, Loftus-Cheek’s career has been plagued by injuries. He ruptured his Achilles during a pre-season friendly against New England Revolution in July 2019, which kept him out of action for almost a year. The injury was a major setback for the midfielder, who was just starting to establish himself as a regular in the Chelsea team.
International Career
Loftus-Cheek has made ten appearances for England, with his last appearance for the Three Lions coming in 2018. His move to Italy could provide him with the springboard to add to his international caps.
Champions League Football
Milan can offer Loftus-Cheek Champions League football again after Chelsea’s dismal campaign ensured they missed out on European football entirely next season. The midfielder will be hoping to make an impact in Europe’s premier club competition and help Milan challenge for the Serie A title.
Conclusion
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s move to AC Milan is a significant one for the midfielder. He will be hoping to put his injury woes behind him and establish himself as a regular in the Milan team. The move to Italy could also provide him with the platform to add to his international caps and help Milan challenge for the Serie A title.