According to The Telegraph, Schalke are eyeing up a loan move for Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer.

What’s the story?

The German club are apparently keen on landing the England international midfielder on temporary terms during this transfer window. However, as reported by The Telegraph, the 22-year-old is set on remaining at Stamford Bridge for the season and fighting his way into Maurizio Sarri’s starting XI.

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Loftus-Cheek caught the eye during his loan stint with Crystal Palace last season, and even made Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad. 

Whilst the midfielder’s determination to force himself into the first team picture in London is admirable, a move to the Bundesliga may well be the best thing for his career development at this stage.

Playing the long game

Whilst he would undoubtedly prove to be a handy squad option for the Blues to have this season, if Loftus-Cheek wants to make himself indispensable to Chelsea and England in the future then he needs to be playing week in week out at this stage of his career.

The German top flight has proven itself to be an ideal playground for exciting British talents in recent seasons, with the likes of Ademola Lookman, Reece Oxford and Jadon Sancho all managing to have an impact in the Bundesliga. 

Loftus-Cheek could make himself a star at Schalke this season and step comfortably into the boots of Max Meyer who has recently vacated the club.

A strong season in Germany, or even a great start that could see Chelsea recall him in January, would allow Loftus-Cheek to return to Stamford Bridge in a far stronger position to demand first team inclusion.