Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be allowed out on loan, along with Ross Barkley, according to reports in the English media.
Manager Frank Lampard had previously confirmed that he was considering letting Loftus-Cheek leave on a temporary basis, in order to get more first-team football, but that was before Barkley’s surprise move to Aston Villa was announced this morning.
Considering the lack of midfield cover if both players are loaned out, supporters on Twitter are hoping it means a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is getting closer:
Rice deal is definitely happening ?
— Tony (@CFC_Chuks) September 30, 2020
sooooo rice time then?
— Tyson Howard (@bigtyson6) September 30, 2020
This means we’re surely going to get someone else in
— Josh (@Cfcjosh5) September 30, 2020
I hope this mean we are getting RICE.
— Bjorn Ironside (@SonOfRagnar_) September 30, 2020
What the hell are chelsea thinking ffs? We badly need one barkley/rlc ffs!!!!!’
— sajal verma (@sajalverma22) September 30, 2020
That means declan rice is coming in.
— عَقِيْل (@Aqeel__________) September 30, 2020
Then rice is surely coming
— David (@DavidJusoma) September 30, 2020
It be crazy if both Barkley and loftus cheek go wtf
— Farid (@oddwreckinRid) September 30, 2020
Ruben has to stay imo if no other cm is signed
— Nicholas Benedict (@mailme2x) September 30, 2020
Then I think Rice deal will happen. Havertz and mount will fight for that number 10 spot and mount will also play on the wing
— Eddy (@LuckiesHazard) September 30, 2020
To be honest, it’s probably not wise to read too much into the situation. West Ham have reportedly dug their heels in over Rice and it is thought that the Blues would have to spend as much as £75m to get the England international before the transfer window closes.
The Hammers are, however, reportedly interested in both Loftus-Cheek and Antonio Rudiger so an offer that includes both players in the deal may well be considered.
