Chelsea's hopes of keeping Armando Broja have been given a massive boost as West Ham make progress with Sassuolo in their search for a new striker.
The Albanian has been pushing for a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with the Hammers being his most likely option. As David Moyes' side look to have found an alternative option, Chelsea could benefit in their attempts to retain their forward.
Broja scored six goals while on loan at Southampton in the league last season, his first senior year in England, and impressed the football world with his direct approach and clinical finishing that has led to Thomas Tuchel setting plans for his place in the team next season.
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football.london understands that Broja was wanted on a permanent deal by Southampton earlier in the year before a move to the south coast club was eventually ruled out.
Tuchel then wanted to look at Broja himself over the summer in order to decide the best course of action, but the 20-year-old stayed behind in England originally and didn't travel to America with the rest of the squad. Once he did join up a week later his tour was cut short due to injury without playing a game.
Todd Boehly and Tuchel remained firm with the Hammers that they wanted the player to stay at Stamford Bridge, especially as Tuchel would be without a backup striker if he was to leave, and that the German is a big fan of Broja.
Chelsea's staunch position with regards to Broja has now seen the Hammers turn to an alternative target as they agree a £30m-plus deal with Serie A side Sassuolo for Gianluca Scamacca. The 25-year-old fits a similar profile as Broja and given that the move has been handled with speed, could see an end to any ongoing discussions with the Albania international.
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