West Ham United have reportedly enquired about signing Chelsea youngster Armando Broja over a summer move.
According to Football Insider, Premier League side West Ham United have registered their interest in Chelsea striker Armando Broja ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Albanian international spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at fellow Premier League side, Southampton and enhanced his reputation with a string of fine performances. The 20-year-old managed just nine goals and one assist in 38 games, but the numbers tell only half the story.
Broja impressed with his movement and ability to link up with his teammates. His ability to run into channels could have seen him score more had he been more clinical. But then, the youngster is still fine-tuning his trade and can become a key player for Chelsea if he continues to develop as expected.
The Albanian international’s performances have seen him garner interest from West Ham United ahead of the summer. The Hammers will participate in European competitions for the second time in two seasons, but it is fair to state that a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League is but a consolation.
West Ham looked set to challenge for a top-four spot at one point last season. However, a poor run of form towards the end of the campaign saw them also surrender a spot in the UEFA Europa League. It is back to the drawing board for David Moyes, and a striker appears to be on the agenda.
Broja is not West Ham’s top priority but does feature prominently on their wishlist. Unlike Michail Antonio, the 20-year-old is a slicker player and will offer Moyes something different up front. With the likes of Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen among others, already in the squad, West Ham could put together a free-flowing attack led by three young players who can only get better.
West Ham’s chief of recruitment, Rob Newman has personally scouted Broja in the past, and there appears to be a real keenness on taking him to the London Stadium. It will prove unlikely if Broja waltzes his way straight into the West Ham first XI. The Chelsea striker would, in all likelihood, spend his first few months acting as Antonio’s understudy before potentially being elevated in position should he impress.
Landing the Albanian international will prove tricky as several other clubs are also keen on signing him. More so, Broja’s contract at Chelsea runs until 2026, handing the Blues the advantage in transfer negotiations. Chelsea also lack an infallible scorer, and it will only spice up matters should they decide to put their faith in the 20-year-old next season.
