Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has told striker Armando Broja to move to West Ham in the summer, believing he would be the right fit for the club. The 20-year-old impressed in his debut Premier League season, spending it on loan at Southampton.
Under Ralph Hasenhuttl, the Albania international made 32 league appearances, scoring six and assisting once. His input helped guide the Saints to 15th by the end of the campaign, clear of any relegation concerns.
The Austrian manager was particularly full of praise for the youngster earlier this year, who had initially struggled to make his way into the first-team. However, once he found his feet, the boss said: “He’s a great threat. He has not had many poor games this season, and today he showed again how dangerous he can be for the opponent, and he’s very helpful for our game.”
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Such has been his impressive form, several clubs have been linked with a move this summer. With a return to Chelsea on the cards, Broja's future is still undecided, with options to stay at the club, move on loan or make a permanent switch.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has already claimed that he and fellow loanee Conor Gallagher will return to Cobham for pre-season before making a decision. "They will come back [to Chelsea] for sure," Tuchel said. "I want to have them in pre-season. We will decide in pre-season what goes on. It is heavily up to [them] - and how they do."
London rivals Arsenal and newly promoted Nottingham Forest are two sides reportedly interested in a move for the 20-year-old. However, former defender Johnson believes he should move elsewhere. Speaking to Bettingodds.com, he said: "He [Broja] fits the profile of a striker that West Ham should be looking to sign.
"He's been scoring goals in the Premier League and looks like a tidy finisher. They definitely need a natural goalscorer in their squad, and if West Ham had an out and out goalscorer in their side this season, then that could have made the difference."
If it fits with the Blues' plans, it could be a move that helps take the striker to the next level, given the Hammers' involvement in European football next season. However, with a long summer transfer window and pre-season ahead, it remains to be seen exactly how he fits into Tuchel's plans.
