Chelsea want Ruben Loftus-Cheek to stay and fight for his place at the club, despite the midfielder being upset by Maurizio Sarri’s decision to drop him from his squad.

Loftus-Cheek was not even among Chelsea’s substitutes for the victory over Arsenal, leaving the 22-year-old wondering whether he needs to go out on loan to get games.

Spanish, German and French clubs can still sign players until the end of August and Loftus-Cheek would be open to moving abroad if Chelsea agreed to loan him out for a second season.

But the Blues want Loftus-Cheek to fight for his place at least until January, when the transfer window reopens and his future can be reassessed.

New head coach Sarri currently prefers Ross Barkley and loan signing Mateo Kovacic to Loftus-Cheek, but there is a belief the England international can still force his way into the Italian’s plans.

Chelsea’s coaching staff also feel Loftus-Cheek will be better served to work under Sarri and try to learn his methods, rather than working for another manager.