Transfer News: Everton and West Ham United show interest in Chelsea striker Armando Broja
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea striker Armando Broja has attracted interest from Everton and West Ham United, with both the clubs having made official contact to land the striker. The two clubs have formally registered their interest in the Chelsea man.
A Chelsea youth academy product spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Southampton. The Albanian striker made a total of 38 appearances for The Saints in all competitions, scoring nine goals and assisting one more. He featured in all FA Cup games for the Saints as they crashed out in the quarter-finals, losing to Manchester City.
Following his breakthrough season, it seems he has gained the interest of quite a few clubs. Newcastle United are said to be another team interested in the striker. A bid of around £30 million could see the Blues open talks for the youngster.
He emerged as one of the best young strikers in the Premier League last season, although his form dipped in the latter half of the season after a really strong start to his campaign.
Too soon to sell?
Thomas Tuchel is currently overseeing a major squad revamp at Chelsea this summer. Several senior players have left and they are yet to make a signing this summer. And on top of that, the Blues are under new ownership. So it may look like they will sell the striker for a good price, but that need not be the case.
Romelu Lukaku has returned on loan to Inter Milan following a disappointing season. Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, all lacked the goal threat last season and are tipped to leave the club this summer. Having a striker like Broja who is young and able to find the back of the net is something Tuchel could do with next season.
Although it is unlikely he will become a first-team player straight away, he could serve the Blues as a backup option. Tuchel has also decided to first assess the player in pre-season and then he will decide whether to sell him or make him part of the Blues squad for next season.
The 20-year-old is just getting started and Chelsea should not be in a hurry with him. They would like to avoid a Tammy Abraham-like situation with him, where he performed well but was still sold.
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Even if Tuchel decides against making him part of the squad, a loan move would be a better option for the club and player. The club will get to assess his performance and the player can show why he deserves a place in the Chelsea squad. This could be a win-win situation for both of them, rather than selling the player for a quick profit.
Broja is due to return to Chelsea later this week, and he will come with the hope and desire to impress his boss and make a place for himself in the squad for next season. What happens remains to be seen.
