Armando Broja, inevitably, looks likely to become the latest Cobham prospect to make his Chelsea exit. West Ham reportedly made a £30 million bid plus add-ons for the Albanian star and apparently are close to agreeing on personal terms. He is now set to return to England from Chelsea's pre-season tour in hopes to complete the transfer. Chelsea fans unsurprisingly share mixed feelings with this potential deal. The fact is that this would be the second Cobham striker the Blues sell in the space of one year, with Tammy Abraham being the first.
The question is whether Broja should stay, leave or go on loan. At the age of 20, he will be looking to find himself a starting role in a squad. He spent his loan move to Southampton making a name for himself in big games and becoming a problematic forward that defenders had a tough time playing against. With that being said, if he wants to leave, he has worked up a reputation strong enough for a complete exit from his childhood club.
According to TalkSport, Todd Boehly is reluctant on selling the 20-year-old, claiming that another season on loan could add £20 million to his value. Fans are also not pleased with such an exciting prospect leaving the club as Chelsea currently lack a traditional no. 9 in the squad. So what would be best for the player?
Stay?
In an ideal world, Armando Broja would be back up to Kai Havertz. Considering the imminent departure of Romelu Lukaku, the Blues will need to have another forward in reserve. Timo Werner has proven to be out of favour with the Chelsea boss following the lack of game time acquired last season, so who will be Chelsea's go-to man behind Havertz? The idea of playing Christian Pulisic in a false nine position for another season does not have quite the appeal nor does subjecting Raheem Sterling to playing up front.
Broja would give Thomas Tuchel another option and not just off the bench. The Premier League has now approved having five substitutes in a game, meaning more chances will be available for each player. Broja is not yet the 30-goal-a-season striker that Chelsea fans have been looking for, but he has all the ingredients to become just that. With each opportunity to fight for his position in the squad, the Albanian could potentially use his skill set and earn a starting spot in the squad.
A Tuchel tweak could turn him into a formidable forward. It is something for Broja to consider, but is it the wisest choice for the striker?
Loan?
Let's assume that Broja demands playing time that Tuchel cannot promise, there's no need to rush an exit plan. As much as he wants permanent first-team football, the 20-year-old could still use a loan move to get what he wants. His time at Southampton last season did not go unnoticed. His debut year in the Premier League has set his future up to be bright. It comes as no surprise that West Ham are after a permanent deal.
There is no harm in a player making a couple of loan moves before making it into his parent club's starting XI. Just look at Mason Mount and Reece James. Prime examples of two players who were good enough to swim in the deep end when Chelsea needed them to. The correct loan move could unlock the beast in Broja and the best part would be that the Blues could bring him back - no fees attached. There's a safety net that comes with a loan move that Chelsea could use and Broja could also benefit from.
Luckily, a loan move would inevitably bring Broja back to Chelsea if things turn sour with the Hammers. Michail Antonio will most likely still be the chosen number 9 ahead of the Albanian due to experience, so either way he will need to fight for his place. A loan move provides that safety net for all parties.
Leave?
An admirable attribute of Armando Broja is his confidence. The young star knows how talented he is and what he can offer a team. The right move could provide higher wages and a better chance of being used to maximum capacity. At the end of the day, if you buy an asset, you'd want to use it in the best way possible right? A move to West Ham gives that security of having the chances that he may or may not get at Chelsea.
Let's face the facts, prior to Chelsea's 2020 transfer ban, the youth scarcely had a chance in the first team. They waited for their turn which never came for some. Instead many found themselves in a cycle of loan deals, and eventually ended up leaving anyway. Armando Broja being sold could be a sign that the Blues are ready to completely abandon their loan tactics. Last season the Blues sold Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento - both players whom the Blues could use now. Selling Broja could leave Chelsea in a worse position.
It would be the equivalent of selling Conor Gallagher. Both players having a promising season in the Premier League, only not to make it to their parent club's first team? It wouldn't make sense on the pitch, but financially Chelsea would have it all to gain.
West Ham are keen on the 20-year-old. The Hammers lead the race with an incoming £30 million bid to which it looks like Broja will take. It's unfortunate for the Chelsea faithful who wanted to see him get his shot, but it's a great move for a young star that knows exactly what he is capable of.
READ NEXT
