Chelsea and AC Milan are getting closer to agreeing a deal for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, football.london understands.
As reported at the end of April, Milan made contact with the Blues over a possible move for the 27-year-old midfielder and after weeks of negotiations, an agreement is thought to be quite close. A source has told football.london that Chelsea are open to selling Loftus-Cheek this summer after almost two decades at the club after joining at the age of eight.
Loftus-Cheek started Chelsea's last game of the season recently – in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United – in what may have been his final match for the Blues. The midfielder clapped all ends of Stamford Bridge as he walked off the pitch as a second-half substitute – with the fans showing their appreciation by giving him a standing ovation.
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It now looks likely Milan will be Loftus-Cheek's next destination. The Rossoneri are optimistic they can reach a deal with Chelsea believed to be just shy of £20million, with Loftus-Cheek having a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The English midfielder is the first of many who are expected to leave the club over the summer transfer window. Mateo Kovacic is also expected to depart Stamford Bridge with the Croatian recently entering talks with Manchester City over a possible move to the Etihad Stadium.
The future of N'Golo Kante is also uncertain with the France international's contract in west London due to expire at the end of the month. Chelsea are already looking at midfield reinforcements with football.london being told the club want to sign both Moises Caicedo and Manuel Ugarte.
In addition to this, the club are looking at bringing in a new goalkeeper with Andre Onana the name that keeps being mentioned at the moment. Also, a central striker is on the agenda in addition to the incoming Christopher Nkunku.
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