Report – Aston Villa eye Milan midfielder Loftus-Cheek

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Sam Wilson | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 7:22 AM ET

Aston Villa are considering a move for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek as Unai Emery looks to reshape his midfield following a major injury setback.

According to reports from The Telegraph, via Goal , Villa have been forced back into the market after Boubacar Kamara suffered a serious knee injury during the FA Cup clash with Tottenham, an issue that could rule the Frenchman out for the remainder of the season.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With commitments in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup, Emery is keen to add experience and physicality in the centre of the pitch.

Loftus-Cheek emerges as Villa eye Milan midfielder

Loftus-Cheek has emerged as one of the names under consideration. The 29-year-old is no stranger to English football, having previously featured extensively in the Premier League with Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace before moving to Milan in the summer of 2023.

The report suggests Aston Villa have already made initial enquiries to understand whether a January deal could be feasible, though no formal offer has been lodged at this stage. Milan are not actively pushing the midfielder out, but could listen to proposals that meet their valuation.

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on December 08, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Loftus-Cheek is under contract at AC Milan until 2027, having joined from Chelsea for around €21.5m. From Milan’s perspective, a fee in the region of €8.5m would be required to avoid a capital loss, although the club’s starting price is believed to be closer to €15m.

For Aston Villa, the former England international represents a proven Premier League profile who could provide immediate depth and reliability if negotiations progress.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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