AC Milan renew interest in Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek

AC Milan have reignited their interest in Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to Calciomercato.

The west Londoners are planning a summer clear-out, and Loftus-Cheek is one of the players touted with a move away from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

The Englishman has not played a single minute in any of Chelsea’s previous five games, with his last involvement coming in a cameo appearance against Aston Villa at the start of April.

Loftus-Cheek has started in 17 of his 20 Premier League games this season, with a further eight appearances in the Champions League.

While he has no goal contributions to show for his involvement with the first-team squad, the midfielder has created two big chances for the Blues.

Loftus-Cheek’s versatility has also proven useful, with the Englishman able to slot in at right wing-back in the absence of Reece James.

The 27-year-old came through the club’s academy, but his departure will come in handy with the Blues looking to balance their books amid fears of financial fair play punishment.

Serie A giants Milan are reportedly interested in his services but are looking to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Chelsea, who are demanding €25 million for the midfielder.

The Rossoneri are expected to receive a percentage of Matteo Pessina’s permanent transfer to AC Monza, having inserted a future resale clause when they sold him to Atalanta in 2017.

The Italian midfielder will join Monza in a €15m deal with Milan set to pocket between €3.5-7m, which they intend to reinvest into reinforcing their squad.

Milan technical director Paolo Maldini and sporting director Frederic Massara are reportedly leading the charge for the Englishman’s signature.

Loftus-Cheek could prove a shrewd acquisition for the Serie A champions, who are looking to bolster their squad after an underwhelming Scudetto defence.