Transfer News: Juventus are interested in signing Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek
According to Sky Italy via Mail Online (h/t Football.London), Juventus have shortlisted Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek as an alternative for Arthur Melo, who could be on his way to Arsenal.
The Blues star has put up some consistent performance in the current campaign before being sidelined thanks to the Coronavirus. With three goals in 20 appearances, the academy graduate has more often than not impressed and made a case for himself to be included in the playing XI more often.
Juventus for one appears sold on the Blues’ academy graduate’s performances and might even make a move for him this month. The Bianconeri could soon part ways with Melo who could be on his way to Arsenal. Massimiliano Allegri’s side must be aware that selling Melo without bringing in a replacement could prove detrimental for the second half of the campaign.
The Italian giants appear to have earmarked Loftus-Cheek as a temporary solution and are keen to sign him on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Whether it is something Chelsea will sign off on remains to be seen.
This is because Thomas Tuchel’s side have ceded ground in the Premier League title race thanks to injuries and loss of form. WhileMateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kanté and Jorginho are all now available, recent weeks have shown that strength in depth is lacking in the middle of the pitch.
With Ross Barkley and Saúl Ñíguez still yet to show consistency, Tuchel could be short-staffed should the midfield succumb to Covid or an injury crisis. While Loftus-Cheek is far from a first XI regular, he is a dependable player who can do a job when needed. Letting him leave would see Tuchel sacrifice a reliable backup option for the latter half of the 2021-22 season.
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It seems increasingly probable that Thomas Tuchel would allow Ruben Loftus-Cheek to join Juventus on a loan deal. The German manager has to decrease the gap between league leaders Manchester City and the academy graduate could have a role to play in the second phase of the season.
