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Armando Broja Exploring West Ham Links Amid Chelsea Pre-Season Return

Armando Broja Exploring West Ham Links Amid Chelsea Pre-Season Return

Armando Broja’s representatives are reportedly exploring all options amid interest from West Ham United.

Armando Broja’s representatives are reportedly exploring all options amid interest from West Ham United.

The 20-year-old is attracting interest from several Premier League and European sides after his debut season in England’s top flight.

Broja bagged six Premier League goals during a loan spell at Southampton but was thought to be set for a return to Chelsea, at least for pre-season.

However, recent reports have linked West Ham United with a move for the striker, who could make a surprise exit this summer.

Chelsea will reportedly listen to offers of £30 million for the forward after his impressive season on the south coast.

However, Ben Jacobs has reported that Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has already made his decision on the forward.

The German would like to assess the 20-year-old in pre-season before making a decision on his future.

Broja could be handed the chance to impress the head coach, after spending last pre-season with Tuchel.

It remains to be seen as to whether West Ham would be willing to wait until later in the transfer window and allow Chelsea to assess their youngster.

Armando Broja celebrating for Southampton after scoring. (Alamy)
Armando Broja celebrating for Southampton after scoring. (Alamy)

With Romelu Lukaku edging closer to a move to Inter Milan on a season-long loan, the Blues will head into pre-season with just two recognised first-team strikers in Kai Havertz and Michy Batshuayi, with the former returning from a spell at Besiktas.

Therefore, hanging onto Broja until at least pre-season could be explored by Chelsea.

Broja’s stance has now been revealed by Nathan Gissing, who reports that the Albania international’s camp are speaking with many clubs.

Napoli have also shown keen interest in the forward, with his future ‘unknown’ to the Serie A side.

Fellow Serie A giants Inter and AC Milan, as well as Atalanta, are also in the hunt for Broja this summer, while Premier League sides Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers have previously been mentioned.

Armando Broja of Chelsea during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. (Alamy)
Armando Broja of Chelsea during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. (Alamy)

It is unclear as to whether Broja is willing to return for pre-season and fight for his place in the Chelsea squad as Tuchel plans his summer rebuild but reports have stated that the 20-year-old is keen to play first-team football next season.

Tuchel has previously heaped praise on Broja during his time at Southampton as he said: “We have a reason why they are our players. They have quality, mentality.

"They are now out there on their own in different environments, different clubs and proving themselves.

"Armando is getting better and better.”

Therefore, if it was up to the head coach, the forward would seemingly return to earn his place in the squad.

However, it appears that Broja's entourage may have different ideas as they explore potential transfers this summer.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Armando Broja, Transfers, West Ham United, Football, Premier League