Maurizio Sarri is preparing himself to launch a raid on his former club during this summer’s transfer window. The former Chelsea boss, who left the club two years ago this month, is looking to launch a double raid on his former club if he is successfully installed as the new Lazio boss. It is reported that Sarri wants to make Loftus-Cheek his first signing after being the most successful Chelsea manager to have been able to get a tune out of him.
Thomas Tuchel said: “I was quite a fan of him when he was even younger, when he came from the academy into professional football here at Chelsea. It reminded us a bit of his style of play and movements with Michael Ballack. There were some links about him all the time with maybe a move to the German league so we were well aware of him and his talent. Sometimes I don’t know why things worked out as he wished and everyone wished but he is on loan now and doing well. He is leaving his footprints there and it would be unfair to judge him from TV, hearsay and what people say about him. I like to work with players and give my opinion then. Maybe also pretty quick but also from a direct impression. This is what I don’t have. I don’t know what the idea is, my opinion is or the club’s opinion is. There’s no decision made yet.”
With Tuchel having declared his fondness for Loftus-Cheek, it will be interesting to see if he does creep into the German’s plans for next season. The Blues are relatively well-stocked in central-midfield and are looking at the possibility of signing another one, meaning they could be open to letting him go if the right offer comes along, whether that be from Lazio or another potential suitor.
