West Ham shouldn’t be put off by Loftus-Cheek’s reported asking price

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West Ham United have recently been linked with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and should undoubtedly make a move this summer.

With the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini and deals for the likes of Issa Diop and Lukasz Fabianski already in the bag, West Ham clearly have their eye on making a big statement with their summer business as they look to ensure that they find themselves in nothing like the trouble that they faced for much of last season.

One area that the Hammers still need to strengthen in is their options in central midfield. And one of the players that they are reportedly after is Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, as reported by The Sun on Sunday (29/05; page 52).

Loftus-Cheek is arguably the most exciting youngster in Chelsea’s ranks and was hugely impressive during his loan spell with Crystal Palace. His form earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer, and his cameo against Tunisia left a lot of fans impressed as he added impetus to the side as they began to run out of ideas.

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The Daily Mail reports that he will look to leave the Blues if he cannot get first-team football at Stamford Bridge next year, and that Chelsea will look for at least £25 million should they decide to sell.

And while that is quite a startling price for a player who has played just over 60 senior games for club and country – according to transfermarkt, a deal at that price would equal West Ham’s club-record buy – it appears that Loftus-Cheek has the kind of talent and potential that could make that fee look like a complete bargain in the coming years.

At 22, Loftus-Cheek is arguably good enough to be a regular starter for the Hammers who endured plenty of issues in the middle of the park last season, and he should only get better as he gains more experience.

His ability to run with the ball has the potential to seriously excite the London Stadium faithful and his array of passing should make the Hammers a lot more assured in midfield.

West Ham have arguably been superb in the window this far. Meeting Chelsea’s reported £25 million asking price for Loftus-Cheek should now be a no-brainer for the Irons as they look to continue making statements.