This summer appears to be a big one for the Blues with their managerial position yet to be solved while they also ponder the sale and purchase of new players.
One key sector they have to keep an eye on is their loan system and the players who starred for their temporary clubs in the past year. Ruben Loftus Cheek is one of them, and has sent out a warning to his parent club, insisting only first team football action will ensure he stays at the club beyond this summer.
The midfielder missed three months of Premier League action while on loan at Crystal Palace, after picking up a ankle injury, but still proved the deal was a successful one. He made 22 appearances in his stint with the Eagles, beating the appearances he made for the Blues in his entire career, 13.
Hving been called up to the England squad for the World Cup in the summer, Loftus-Cheek wants to focus on the tournament and then decide on his future, but warns it may be away from the Blues.
“I always try to improve my game but this was my first real season as a Premier League player,” said Loftus-Cheek. I didn’t play as much as I wanted because of the injuries, but I am excited for next season and just want to play a lot again. I’m not thinking about that (going on loan again) too much right now. I’m trying to focus on this summer and what’s to come.
This tournament is too big to be overlooking and not giving my full focus. Right now my mind is on that. But I have to go back to Chelsea for pre-season anyway, that is where I will be after the World Cup. So I will decide, when that time comes. I’m not too worried (about his future). It will get sorted. But I’m focused on training well now and looking to get as fit as possible for the World Cup.”
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Evening Standard