Chelsea have confirmed that striker Armando Broja has signed a new six-year deal to stay at Stamford Bridge until 2028.
Broja spent the 2021/22 season on-loan at Southampton and scored nine times in 38 appearances for the Saints. Broja has already made three substitute appearances for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season and is set to play a major role throughout the campaign.
West Ham were interested in signing the Albanian striker this summer with Broja leaving the Blues' pre-season tour of America and return to London following a £30million offer from the Hammers. A conversation with Tuchel led to the 20-year-old deciding to stay at Stamford Bridge, and now he has committed his long-term future to the club with a new six year deal.
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The young striker, who turns 21 later this month, said in a statement: "I’m lost for words really just thinking about it. It’s the club I’ve dreamed of playing for my whole life, the club that I support and the club that I love.
"I’ve been here since I was a boy so it’s a surreal feeling for me and my family. To be able to put on the blue shirt with the first team is a dream come true.
"It's amazing every minute that you get to play on the pitch because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. There’s always competition and everyone wants to play so I’m just happy that I have the opportunity to be a part of it.
"Hopefully I get to play a lot of matches and be a part of the team’s success."
The recent form of Kai Havertz could see Broja be handed a start against West Ham this weekend after the former has failed to score in all five of the Blues' opening Premier League fixtures. The Albanian forward registered two goal contributions in games against David Moyes' side last term for the Saints and Tuchel could hope Broja can repeat his success again this weekend for Chelsea.
Following the announcement of Broja's new deal, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: "We are delighted Armando has committed to Chelsea. He is a young and exciting striker and a big part of our plans moving forward."
Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, co-controlling owners, said: "Armando has so much talent and we are confident he can fulfil it at Chelsea. We are all looking forward to watching his development this season and beyond."
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