Armando Broja is set for a loan move to West Ham as they accept that Chelsea are not willing to lose him permanently, according to reports.
There has been heavy interest in Chelsea’s Albanian striker Broja this summer following his breakthrough season on loan at Southampton last year.
He appeared 38 times for the Saints in all competitions, finding the back of the net nine times and providing one assist during his stint on the south coast.
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Currently, the 20-year-old is away with the Blues in the United States for their pre-season tour, but he may soon be on the way out of the squad.
There have been multiple attempts from clubs trying to seal the signing of Broja, with past reports suggesting that Frank Lampard’s Everton had made an offer.
However, West Ham have been the club that have led the way for his signing, with reports previously suggesting they had put together a £30 million package for the striker.
Although the price may be tempting for the Blues to take, they have remained in a position of not wanting to let Broja go permanently, indicating there could still be a future for him at Stamford Bridge.
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As per the Daily Mail, West Ham have now accepted Chelsea’s stance, they are happy to take the attacker on a 12 month loan deal but are still hopeful that they might be able to work out a permanent deal afterwards.
The Hammers are desperate for a striker and even though Broja may not be the long-term solution, he could play a big role in how this season unfolds for them.
Should Broja complete this move, it would see the Blues left rather depleted for striker options, particularly if there are any injuries up top.
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Thomas Tuchel would have Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Michy Batshuayi as first team number nine options, but he has stated that new signing Raheem Sterling could potentially play in that role too.
He has also detailed that it is not a ‘first priority’ for Chelsea to sign a player for that position this season as he looks to handle the defensive issues first.
While Broja would by no means be the first choice for the west London outfit, he would be a good backup option to have at Tuchel’s disposal.
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If he replicates the form he showed at Southampton last season for West Ham, it is highly likely next summer he could be in a position where Tuchel wants him to be fighting for a place in the side.
However, with the Hammers looking to pursue a permanent deal for the Albanian in the future, Chelsea could struggle to keep him.
If he is to depart, Chelsea would be left with just Kai Havertz who has vast experience playing down the middle in Tuchel's system at the club.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Armando Broja, West Ham United, Premier League, Transfers, Football