The problem for Loftus-Cheek was that he has never been able to solidify a starting spot for the Blues. Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovačić, Mason Mount, and newly-bought Enzo Fernandez have all offered fierce competition when vying for a starting spot, as well as fellow underused-England colleague Conor Gallagher.
It’s no shock that RLC hasn’t been able to start week-in week-out for his boyhood club, whether it be from the competition or the unfortunate timing of his injuries. The 27-year-old is now at a crucial point in his career: with his contract expiring in June 2024, he faces a choice of whether to stay and play irregular minutes for the side he has been with since the age of eight, or he takes a plunge and moves to another side in search of consistent football.
Equally, Chelsea faces a decision over giving him a new contract, cashing in on him now, or risk losing him on a free in the summer. Currently valued around £25m, this could be the last chance to get a significant fee for their midfielder, even if it is lower than they’d like.
Whilst Leicester are having internal discussions over a potential deal, they aren’t the only club eyeing him up. Italian giants AC Milan are reportedly keen, whilst Crystal Palace are also interested.