Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek heading to AC Milan in €17m deal as Sandro Tonali replacement

• Milan have agreed deal for Loftus-Cheek
• Sandro Tonali set to join Newcastle
• Chelsea continuing to trim their squad

WHAT HAPPENED? The Serie A side have maintained an interest in Loftus-Cheek despite the sacking of sporting director Paolo Maldini, with David Ornstein now reporting that a €17m deal has been agreed. The midfielder will add to Milan's options in midfield, with Sandro Tonali expected to complete a switch to Newcastle United.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Chelsea had valued Loftus-Cheek at £25m but the Italian giants have managed to convince the Blues to lower their asking price, with the player having been in the final year of his contract. The former Fulham loanee will link up with another ex-Blue, Fikayo Tomori, who has become one of the Serie A side's most important players over the last two seasons.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Chelsea will offload several players in the ongoing summer transfer window to trim down their bloated squad. They have already sold Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Hilal and are currently negotiating with Arsenal and Manchester United for Kai Havertz and Mason Mount. Mateo Kovacic is also on the way out to Manchester City.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Loftus-Cheek appeared in 33 matches for Chelsea in all competitions last season where he failed to score but provided two assists. By moving to Italy, he will bring to an end almost 20 years with the Blues, having joined their youth team way back in 2004.