Chelsea to let player leave after Liverpool thrashing as Mauricio Pochettino decides he doesn't need him

Chelsea have decided that one of their attackers is surplus to requirements after their thrashing by Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino's side suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, their ninth Premier League defeat of the season and one that leaves them 12 points off the top four.

22-year-old striker Armando Broja was an unused substitute on the night, despite the fact that Chelsea found themselves with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Chelsea have rebuffed a number of loan offers for the Albania international over the last two transfer windows - including one in January from Wolves - as they wanted to either sell the striker or sanction a loan with an obligation to buy.

However, according to The Athletic, Chelsea have softened their stance on deadline day and are willing to accept a straight loan move, so long as it comes with a significant fee and game time guarantees. Fulham reportedly share Wolves' interest in the player.

Broja watched on from the bench as Christopher Nkunku scored a consolation for the Blues. Injury has limited the Frenchman to just four league appearances this term, but his return to action - plus the return of Senegalese attacker Nicolas Jackson from the Africa Cup of Nations - means Broja is now surplus to requirements.

Broja has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing two assists.

Image: Getty

The Athletic have reported that Broja could still leave the club on a permanent basis or on a loan with a purchase obligation, and he might even end up staying at Stamford Bridge for the rest of the season.

In the event of the latter, the club will reassess Broja's situation over the summer. In September 2022 the attacker signed a new contract with Chelsea valid until 2028.

The Chelsea academy graduate impressed on loan at Southampton in 2021/22, scoring six goals in 32 Premier League outings.