Newcastle United have reportedly launched a formal approach for Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who is also a transfer target for West Ham United.
According to The Northern Echo, Newcastle United have lodged a formal enquiry with Chelsea to assess the possibility of signing young striker Armando Broja, who is also being chased by Premier League rivals West Ham United.
A graduate of the Chelsea youth academy, Broja has been regarded as one of the best prospects coming through the ranks. After impressing with the youth and reserve teams, the 20-year-old spent the 2020/21 campaign away on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem and enjoyed a promising spell.
Back at Chelsea last summer, Broja joined Southampton on a temporary stint to gain Premier League experience and made a solid impression, finishing with nine goals and an assist in 38 matches for the Saints. Set to return to his boyhood club, the Albanian international is attracting widespread interest from clubs across the Premier League.
Newcastle United are among the clubs keen on signing Broja and have now made a formal approach to assess the chances of a transfer this summer. The Magpies are making some major moves in the market and have signed Matt Targett and Nick Pope already, with Sven Botman also on the verge of joining the club.
Eddie Howe, though, is far from done with his transfer business, with a new striker a top priority for the Tyneside giants. Given Callum Wilson’s well-known fitness issues and Chris Wood’s barren run since joining in January, it makes sense for Newcastle to sign a reliable goalscorer. A move for Hugo Ekitike has been touted heavily, but the transfer seems to have stalled in recent days.
It has forced Newcastle to look at other options, with Broja popping up on their radars as a target. The youngster is unlikely to find a place in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the upcoming season despite Romelu Lukaku’s impending exit, and the Magpies are ready to capitalise and lure the forward to St. James’ Park.
However, West Ham United are also keen on signing Broja, given their issues in the No. 9 slot. Apart from Michail Antonio, David Moyes does not have any other option for the centre-forward slot, which the manager is intent on addressing this summer. And the Chelsea starlet has emerged as a key target, with West Ham even ready to shell out £30 million for his services.
Newcastle, though, have shown a serious intent by lodging a formal approach and have the financial wherewithal to outbid West Ham if the transfer race for Broja heats up. A move away from Stamford Bridge appears very likely for the 20-year-old, and only time will tell where he ends up before next season.
