Chelsea have made two major signings this summer, but their transfer business in the midfield department could be less notable in the coming weeks.
The Blues are set for a number of key personnel changes this summer under new manager Antonio Conte, who is looking for players he can use to best implement his tactical system at Stamford Bridge. However, the manager may not be looking only at the transfer market for players to fit his plans.
The Italian coach has reportedly identified Blues academy product Ruben Loftus-Cheek as a big talent for the future. As such, the club may abandon their plans of buying another top midfielder.
According to reputed English newspaper The Times, ‘Antonio Conte is considering abandoning his plans to sign another central midfield player this summer because of his belief in the potential of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.’
The report states: ‘The England Under-21 midfielder is understood to have made a big impression on Conte in training over the past seven days and the club’s new manager is hoping that he will develop into a big part of his first-team squad after being used sparingly by José Mourinho and Guus Hiddink last season.’
The Times also claim that the Blues were looking for a combative midfield player after their move for Roma and Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan collapsed.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek joined Chelsea at the age of 8 and has been progressing through the ranks ever since. He was the captain of the U18 team and featured regularly for the U21 Chelsea side which won the U21 Premier League. The English midfielder was handed his senior debut by Jose Mourinho in December 2014 in a Champions League group stage match against Sporting Lisbon. He went on to make three league appearances that season.
The 20-year old burst onto the scene this past season, receiving acclaim as he put in some solid performances for the Blues. He made 17 appearances and scored two goals in all competitions for the club.
Chelsea have already made possibly the signing of the summer in former Leicester City defensive midfielder N’golo Kante. They also have a number of good midfielders in the squad including Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic, John Obi Mikel and Oscar. As such, further strengthening of the midfield is not an absolute necessity for the club. Ruben Loftus-Cheek could develop well under the veteran Italian manager and signing another central midfielder could hinder his development.
