Chelsea's transfer plans for the January window may have been thrown into some chaos following the injury sustained by Armando Broja. The academy graduate went down in some pain in a friendly match with Aston Villa - in preparation for the return to the Premier League later this month.
The 21-year-old was heard shouting in some pain, holding his knee, and football.london understands after that the striker had sustained a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). It could leave the forward out of action from anywhere between five and 12 months of action.
It comes as a huge disappointment to Broja, who had impressed on loan at Southampton last season and was given the chance to flourish for the Blues. The striker even signed a new contract until 2028 earlier this campaign, with co-owner Todd Boehly saying on the extension: "We are delighted Armando has committed to Chelsea. He is a young and exciting striker and a big part of our plans moving forward."
READ MORE: Chelsea set to hijack Arsenal move for transfer target Dusan Vlahovic after agent 'contact'
Unfortunately, progress for the forward may be halted for the time being as he recovers from a lengthy spell out, leaving Chelsea with few numbers up front. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains the only out-and-out centre-forward, while Kai Havertz has struggled to make the position his own.
It could lead to a new signing in that department for January, with the transfer window so close and with the potential need for reinforcements in that area. One transfer already lined up for the summer is RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, though injury could lead them to accelerate the deal to go through in the coming weeks.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano in his CaughtOffside column, the Blues have decided against triggering an early move. The transfer guru said: "Chelsea will actively work to find a new striker after the Armando Broja injury, Christopher Nkunku is expected to join in the summer so they will look at other players. Now it’s still early to say who are the serious candidates, Chelsea will explore many options but the idea is to sign a new striker in January to replace Broja.”
It remains to be seen which players could be on the radar, however the move for Nkunku appears to be on track for the summer instead of this winter.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea's Joao Felix transfer stance revealed following Armando Broja injury news
Ziyech, Hutchinson - Six Chelsea stars to be impacted by Armando Broja's season-ending injury
Reece James sends Graham Potter message after Aston Villa as Chelsea transfer priority emerges
Chelsea prepare Real Madrid raid for bargain free transfer as Todd Boehly eyes Thiago Silva heir
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
