Chelsea rejected a loan offer from AS Roma for Jamie Gittens.
However, Roma want to know whether the Blues are really keen to keep him at Stamford Bridge and are planning further contact this week.
Chelsea will line up in a 3-4-2-1 set-up this season, with Morgan Rogers likely to take the starting berth on the inside left 10 position.
Gittens might decide he wants to be first-choice elsewhere as he bounces back from an injury-riddled first season in London.
Apart from Rogers and Nicolas Jackson, who is up for sale, Chelsea do not have another specialist who can play that position after loaning Jesse Derry and Alejandro Garnacho.
Gittens has blown hot and cold in pre-season. He scored a few goals and recorded some assists, but his overall play remains below par, and he looks rusty.
Chelsea should consider selling Gittens
Chelsea should now seriously consider whether they can use Roma’s interest to cut their losses on Gittens.
If the Serie A club return with another loan proposal, the Blues should explore a deal that includes a mandatory purchase clause.
Gittens has yet to show enough to justify Chelsea continuing to invest in him.
Aside from a wonder goal against inferior opposition, there has been little to suggest he is ready to become a reliable attacking option at Stamford Bridge.
If Roma are willing to take him on loan with an obligation to buy, they should seriously consider it rather than waiting and hoping Gittens suddenly discovers his best form.
The Blues have plenty of options on the left flank. They also have Derry, who can return from loan next season and compete for a starting role.
