Transfer Centre

Ruben Loftus-Cheek wages 'currently blocking Chelsea exit'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 May 2023

Ruben Loftus-Cheek would have to be prepared to take a pay cut in order to leave Chelsea this summer amid interest from AC Milan, according to a report.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek would reportedly have to be willing to take a pay cut in order to leave Chelsea during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old has been a regular for the Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 28 occasions in all competitions, contributing one assist in the process.

Loftus-Cheek has another 12 months left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea have an option to extend the agreement until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

However, there is currently speculation surrounding the England international's future, with AC Milan said to be keen to bring him to San Siro during the summer market.

There will have to be a number of exits at Chelsea this summer due to the club's enormous spending over the last couple of windows.

Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks dejected after the match on February 15, 2023 © Reuters

According to the Evening Standard, Loftus-Cheek is expected to be surplus to requirements, with the Englishman not featuring in the plans of Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to be appointed the new manager.

However, the report claims that the midfielder's £150,000-a-week wages could prevent him from leaving Stamford Bridge during the upcoming market.

Milan are allegedly not prepared to pay the Englishman that type of salary, meaning that he would have to be willing to take a pay reduction in order to leave the Blues on a permanent basis.

Loftus-Cheek is said to be keen to remain at Chelsea next season, and he would need to be 'forced out' by the new head coach in order to agree to an exit.

Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek applauds the fans after the match, January 8, 2022 © Reuters

Loftus-Cheek has been with Chelsea since 2004, progressing through the various youth sides at the club before making his debut in December 2014.

The midfielder has now featured on 150 occasions for the Blues in all competitions, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists in the process.

Loftus-Cheek spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, before representing Fulham on loan in 2020-21, and both clubs are believed to have made an attempt to sign him on a permanent basis.

The Englishman's most productive campaign came in 2018-19, when he represented the capital giants on 40 occasions in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists.

Loftus-Cheek, who has been capped on 10 occasions by England, was also a regular for the Blues last season, making 40 appearances, scoring one goal and registering five assists.