{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Sources: Club open preliminary talks with Chelsea over Ruben Loftus-Cheek deal
AC Milan have opened preliminary talks with Chelsea over the potential signing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek after making him a key target for this summer’s window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Italian giants have had a long-held interest in the 27-year-old and enquired about his availability last summer – but did not move forward in negotiations.
Loftus-Cheek, who has been at Chelsea since his youth, is contracted until June 2024 – but the Blues have the option to extend his deal a further 12 months if they choose to.
Chelsea will sell a number of players this summer as they try to balance the books for Financial Fair Play purposes and make room for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino’s transfer targets.
The Londoners are open to parting with Loftus-Cheek this summer as they aim to raise funds for signings who can provide an instant improvement on their dismal 2022-23 campaign.
It is believed that Premier League, Bundesliga and other Serie A clubs are also keen on the midfielder – who is now closing in on joining a new club this summer.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that talks are in the very early stages between Milan and Chelsea.
However, there is a desire from the Milan camp to steal the Englishman away from Stamford Bridge before others can compete for his signature.
Loftus-Cheek has made 31 appearances this season, getting three assists in the process.
The former Crystal Palace and Fulham loanee has played a total of 153 games for Chelsea, notching 13 goals and 18 assists.
Incoming boss Pochettino has already begun work behind the scenes trimming Chelsea’s inflated squad and building a team capable of returning to the top four next season.
The Blues are guaranteed to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League this season after the sackings of Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel.
In other news, Big Mateo Kovacic claim after source’s Man United reveal