Chelsea set to reject AC Milan’s offer for injured forward

Transfer News: Chelsea will turn down AC Milan’s bid for Armando Broja

According to Standard Evening, Chelsea are going to reject AC Milan’s offer for Armando Broja, as the striker is in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans this season.

The Albanian striker is yet to make his first appearance since rupturing his knee during a friendly game last season, which saw him sidelined for several months at a stretch.

The Cobham graduate is nearing a return after recovering from the long-term injury, and the Argentine manager seems set to count on him this term. Along with Milan, West Ham United are also interested in signing the 21-year-old, but it’s unlikely that Chelsea will sell this season.

Despite having Nicolas Jackson and Broja as their centre-forward options, the Blues are still in the market for another striker after rejecting a swap deal between Dusan Vlahovic and Romelu Lukaku.

They want Broja to compete with Jackson this season and add another wide forward. After the injury to Christopher Nkunku, an attacking addition could be made given Broja and Jackson’s relative inexperience at the very top level.

It is understood negotiations with Crystal Palace are ongoing for Michael Olise after the player agreed on personal terms to join the West Londoners. After finally bringing in Moises Caicedo, the Blues have been highly active in the transfer market and are now looking to bring in Romeo Lavia.

If we don’t sign another striker, Chelsea should keep Broja since he can serve as Jackson’s backup, play alongside him, or even displace him from the starting XI. However, if we do sign a centre-forward, we should think about at least loaning out the 21-year-old because he may drop the pecking order, which would limit his playing time.

In that scenario, his development should continue. He did well when we sent him to Southampton for a season.

More Chelsea News

• Mauricio Pochettino says they have a quality striker in Nicolas Jackson who will make his mark
• Chelsea have come under Premier League scrutiny for breaking financial rules
• West Ham United are considering a summer swoop for Chelsea striker Armando Broja

Much can depend on who we sign this summer up front — if we sign anyone at all, that is. AC Milan surely have a good relationship with us, having signed Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, Christian Pulisic and Tiemoue Bakayoko (on loan) recently.

If it comes to sending him out on loan, they could be a good option, if they are open to it. We have to ensure, however, that we don’t cash in Broja just yet.