Chelsea are going well. They are now in the third position after the second week and looks going beyond that. A new age has begun at the Stamford Bridge after the arrival of their new manager Maurizio Sarri. The former Napoli manager is aggressive and likes to attack the opponent defence. Chelsea, who have been known for their defensive play for ages are mow moulding to something different. Sarri brought in his favourite pupil from Napoli and it seems he has the potential to dominate the midfield. Jorginho has joined the Blues and now playing in the holding back position.
Not only Jorginho, the Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic has also joined the London club on a year-long loan which has made this club a museum of midfielders. Sarri needed to offload to some of their options to make balance in the wages and get has released Bakayoko already. Drinkwater may also leave the club on a loan deal before the closure of the European transfer window.
Ruben Loftus Cheek is among the others who may have to struggle to get into the side. Schalke are among a number of European clubs who have shown interests in signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea before the end of August. Though the chances of the departure of the young midfielder from the Bridge is currently rated as ‘extremely unlikely’, despite the fact that he may get less playing times staying in Chelsea.
The 22-years-old was so impressive on his one-year stay at Crystal Palace last term. He returned for pre-season training after his World Cup schedules to impress the new head coach. Loftus-Cheek showed some real determination in Russia. He is featured in eight matches over the past 10 months. Schalke are all set to try to land the young potential after Chelsea signed Mateo Kovacic on loan from Real Madrid for the entire season.
Though the loan out move of Tiemoue Bakayoko to AC Milan has helped to create space in Chelsea’s squad. Now it would be interesting to watch whether or not Kovacic forces Loftus-Cheek out of the squad. It may have an impact on whether or not the England international changes his mind to experience a permanent settlement. Loftus-Cheek earned some praise from Sarri for his display in the friendly against Lyon and came off the bench for the last 22 minutes in the 3-0 victory at Huddersfield Town.
Loftus-Cheek has contract until 2021 and Chelsea would have to consider selling him at the end of this season if he decides not to go for a loan. The Blues could also sign a contract extension with him to let him go out on loan this season. It may provide another obstacle for his suitors, including Schalke, to get over.