Chelsea plan promotion for teenage striker if Haaland, Lewandowski deals fail

Armando Broja in line for regular first-team action if Chelsea fail in Erling Haaland and Rober Lewandowski pursuits

According to Goal (h/t Metro), Chelsea could promote Armando Broja to their first-team this season if they fail to land a striker.

The Blues want to strengthen the centre-forward department but face difficulties in landing their primary target, Erling Haaland. Even a £150million bid may not be enough for Borussia Dortmund to let go of their 20-year-old striker.

An alternative option in Robert Lewandowski is on the table. However, it is a difficult deal to pull off and the West Londoners will have to pay around £50million for the 33-year-old Polish legend.

Hence, according to the report, academy starlet Armando Broja is ‘front of the queue’ to see first-team football this season if the club fail in their pursuit of bringing in a new No.9 to compete with Timo Werner.

Broja could be an option for Tuchel

He is with the senior team in Ireland for the club’s pre-season training and the 19-year-old even played 45 minutes in the club’s pre-season friendly against Peterborough, where he also got on the scoresheet. (h/t Metro)

The Albanian teenager was at Vitesse last season and scored 10 times in the Eredivisie. Speaking after the win against Peterborough, where he also set up one of Hakim Ziyech’s goals, Broja expressed his gratitude at being with the first-team.

“It’s crazy. When I was younger I never actually thought I’d be in a position like this so I’m thankful every day to my family, to everyone who’s supported me, for the position I’m in. You’re around first-team players who are playing regularly in the Champions League, who won the Champions League, so it’s good to learn from them and they’ll help you out as well, because they’re all lovely people and know you’re younger and trying to develop.”

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Thomas Tuchel still hoping to get Harry Kane at Chelsea
• Chelsea contacted over possible Eden Hazard return from Real Madrid
• Transfer News: Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham not opposed to Arsenal move

Olivier Giroud is already at AC Milan and according to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Tammy Abraham could move to Arsenal this summer. In such a scenario, getting in a new striker becomes necessary because, despite the hype, Broja is still inexperienced and can use more time to become a first-team regular.