Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has made a decision regarding Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer.
The 20-year-old is set to return for pre-season after an impressive debut season in the Premier League during his loan spell at Southampton.
The Albania international netted six goals over the course of the league campaign and has attracted interest from elsewhere.
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The most recent reports have stated that West Ham United have opened talks over the forward.
Negotiations are said to be ‘ongoing’, with Broja understood to be for sale this summer if a club matches Chelsea’s valuation.
£30 million is said to be the fee in which Chelsea would consider the sale ahead of Tuchel’s summer rebuild.
However, Romelu Lukaku is also set for a departure as Inter Milan have increased their loan offer for the Belgian.
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The €7 million loan fee is closer to Chelsea’s €10 million plus add-ons valuation to allow their club-record signing to depart for the season.
Therefore, if Broja leaves too, the Blues will be left with Kai Havertz and Michy Batshuayi as the only two forwards in the first team squad this summer.
Despite the interest in Broja, Ben Jacobs has reported that Chelsea head coach Tuchel has already made his decision on the forward.
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The journalist stated that Tuchel remains intent on assessing Broja in pre-season.
The German does not want a permanent sale sanctioned until he has had the chance to look at the Albania international and assess if he fits into the first team plans next season.
This comes as no surprise, with Tuchel previously full of praise for Broja throughout the season.
When asked about his spell in Southampton, Tuchel previously admitted that he was impressed by Broja.
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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.”
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It remains unclear as to whether Chelsea will allow Tuchel the time to assess Broja, or whether they will return to West Ham to give a valuation for the Irons to match.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Hammers midfielder Declan Rice, and a deal for Broja could help to improve a relationship with Rice’s current side ahead of a potential transfer one day.
Tuchel is set to make the final decisions in the transfer market in terms of both outgoings and incomings this summer, with Broja’s future seemingly in the hands of the Blues head coach.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Armando Broja, West Ham United, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms