Chelsea striker Armando Broja’s future could be nearing towards a Stamford Bridge exit with Newcastle and West Ham among those eyeing a summer move.
The Albanian international, who scored six Premier League goals on loan at Southampton last season, has been linked with a number of suitors across England’s top-flight and the imminent arrival of Raheem Sterling looks set to have a knock-on effect on Broja’s future.
With Chelsea set to sign the England star in the coming days - and set to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for their upcoming pre-season tour in the United States - Broja's future is in question. The question is whether he could depart on a temporary deal again, of if the Blues will cash in on the £30million-rated forward.
Broja has been linked with interest from a whole host of Premier League clubs, not least West Ham - desperate for a striker to rival current No.9 Michail Antonio.
David Moyes is known to be a fan of the Slough-born 20-year-old, as he looks to further strengthen his Hammers squad ahead of another European campaign. Reports earlier this summer suggested that the Hammers were looking to make Broja their top transfer target in this window, but as yet, no deal has been forthcoming.
Newly-minted Newcastle are also keen to pursue a move for the 14-cap Albania international after missing out on a deal to sign France Under-20s star Hugo Ekitike from Stade de Reims. With Callum Wilson's questionable injury record, the Saudi-backed Magpies have the need for a new striker, and Broja fits the bill - while they've also got plenty of cash to burn.
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As well as West Ham and Newcastle, Everton and Southampton have also been credited with interest in signing the Slough-born 20-year-old.
Everton’s interest likely stems from Frank Lampard, of course a former Chelsea manager. Broja made his one and only first-team appearance for Chelsea to date under Lampard in March 2020, coming on as a substitute during a 4-0 home win over Everton.
Broja spent last season on loan at Southampton in a side that often struggled for goals from their strikers. He scored six league goals in his first full season in the Premier league and he was heavily linked with permanent interest from Hasenhuttl’s side during the campaign, but towards the end of the season, Broja failed to score in any of his final 13 league outings for Saints, and that interest seems to have gone for now.
Which brings us to the final question: Could Broja actually stay at Chelsea too?
The Blues are a striker lighter than they were last season following Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal. Is it enough for Tuchel to have just Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, particularly with five subs per game being rolled out next term?
If they don't get the money they desire, perhaps Broja's chance could still come in west London.
