RAM RAID FOILED
Chelsea cool on Aaron move
CHELSEA are having second thoughts about a bid for Aaron Ramsey due to the form of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Blues are one of several clubs monitoring developments with Ramsey, who has been told he is no longer in Arsenal’s plans.
But with Barkley and LoftusCheek in the form of their lives at Stamford Bridge, there is a feeling in the corridors of power that Chelsea’s need for another midfielder is not great.
Barkley has scored three times in his past three games and earned a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
And Loftus-Cheek, made available on loan in the summer, has four goals in his last three games.
Demands
Chelsea’s midfield is well stocked right now with Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, loan signing Mateo Kovacic and forgotten man Danny Drinkwater also competing for places.
There is a question over the longterm future of Fabregas, who is 31 and facing a big pay cut to extend his stay at the club when his contract ends next summer.
Chelsea have no plans to bring in Kovacic on a permanent basis at the end of the season when he is set to return to Real Madrid.
But while Ramsey, 28 next month, would be available on a free transfer next summer, his wage demands and signing-on fee mean he would not come cheap.
Chelsea have no plans to bid for him in January and are content to let the situation play out to see if Barkley and Loftus-Cheek can maintain their impressive form.