Out of favour Chelsea star wanted by former Blues manager

Chelsea’s line up for the first game of the upcoming season could look very different to the one that finished the 2021/22 campaign. 

The Blues have been linked with a number of players in the wake of their takeover by Todd Boehly, including Raheem Sterling, Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele.

But there will also be several outgoings at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks, as Thomas Tuchel looks to shift his fringe players in order to create space for new signings.

The likes of Ross Barkley, Emerson Palmieri and Malang Sarr could all depart, but it now appears that another name could be added to that list.

As per Metro, former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is interested in signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Loftus-Cheek’s 40 appearances this season was his highest tally for Chelsea

The Italian is currently managing Serie A side Lazio, and Loftus-Cheek’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, has insisted that the 63-year-old is keen on a reunion.

The 26-year-old midfielder enjoyed his most successful Blues season to date under Sarri in 2018/19, scoring ten goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

The ex-Crystal Palace loanee was also crucial to the Blues’ Europa League triumph that season, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

The England international’s career has dwindled since a serious injury suffered towards the end of that campaign, though, and he started just 13 Premier League games this season.

The report claims that Lazio haven’t yet made contact with Chelsea, who are under little pressure to sell as the player has two years remaining on his current deal.