Chelsea have discussed the possibility of using Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a deal for Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana but the midfielder wants to remain at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
Loftus-Cheek broke into Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea squad last season, making 40 appearances across a variety of positions.
The Englishman featured in central defence, central midfield and at wing-back after returning from his loan spell at Fulham.
However, Conor Gallagher has returned from his loan move at Crystal Palace and it appears that he will stay as part of Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming season.
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The Blues have also been linked with reinforcements at right wing-back, with Denzel Dumfries and Kyle Walker-Peters discussed as possible options to provide competition for Reece James.
Loftus-Cheek has recently been linked with a loan return to Crystal Palace, having previously spent a season at Selhurst Park.
However, it now appears that the Blues midfielder could be set for a departure, with Leicester City the latest club to be linked with a move for Loftus-Cheek.
As first reported by Nathan Gissing, Chelsea have internally discussed the possibility of using Loftus-Cheek in a deal for Wesley Fofana.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, who is seen as the perfect candidate for Tuchel’s side.
The French international has dropped hints regarding his future on Tuesday, with Chelsea weighing up a bid for the impressive youngster.
Gissing stated that Chelsea were hoping that a bid of between £40 and £45 million plus Loftus-Cheek would be enough to tempt Leicester into changing their stance regarding Fofana’s availability.
The Foxes hold an interest in the Chelsea midfielder and could look to make a move for Loftus-Cheek if the Blues sign Fofana.
James Maddison has been linked with a move away from the King Power, with Newcastle United seeing two bids rejected for the midfielder.
However, Matt Law of The Telegraph continued to report that Loftus-Cheek has no desire to leave Chelsea this summer, handing the Blues a blow if they were to use him in any deal.
Law also states that Leicester are keen to ensure that they will not ‘panic buy’ and be pressured into selling Fofana if they cannot bring in a replacement this window.
It remains to be seen whether Tuchel’s side will be successful in their pursuit of Fofana, with defensive auditions a necessity this summer following departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while Cesar Azpilicueta could also leave.
Marc Cucurella looks set to join the club from Brighton and Hove Albion, while another defensive reinforcement is being targeted, with Fofana the most heavily linked name as of now.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Wesley Fofana, Football, Transfers, Premier League, Leicester City
Nick Emms