Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks with West Ham United over the £30 million sale of 20-year-old forward Armando Broja this summer.
According to Daily Telegraph, West Ham United are closing in on signing talented young Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who was sent back to the UK early from the Blues’ pre-season tour of the USA. The 20-year-old has been the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs following his impressive loan spell at Southampton, where he netted nine goals in 38 appearances last term.
Everton and Newcastle United have also been in contention to sign the Albanian international this summer. But Broja’s would prefer to make the switch across the capital to the London Stadium, with West Ham United emerging as the real contenders. The Hammers could bag the young Chelsea forward ahead of the new season, having already agreed personal terms with him.
Some reports have suggested that it will only be a season-long loan deal rather than the permanent transfer that West Ham and Broja’s representatives have been hoping for. But it is understood that the 20-year-old is unlikely to head anywhere on loan this summer, with player and Chelsea both preferring a permanent solution if they decide to part ways.
West Ham, for their part, have already tabled an official offer of around £30 million and are in advanced discussions with Chelsea to reach an agreement on a price in the same ball park. But the Blues may insert some buyback or sell-on clause before agreeing to any deal, as suggested by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea hoped to wait till Tuchel was able to cast a close eye over him in pre-season. But that plan was foiled when the youngster picked up a foot injury after joining up with the group in the USA, preventing him from featuring in their friendly against Club America. And rumours indicate that Broja is currently on his way back to facilitate a move to West Ham.
West Ham have been busy in the summer transfer window, bringing in Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Alphonse Areola, and Patrick Kelly to the London Stadium for a combined £50 million or more spent on transfer fees. But the Hammers have been crying out for a consistent striker.
The mystery of Sebastien Haller’s fleeting West Ham tenure still prevails. Due to being over-worked across all boards in recent years, star striker Michail Antonio also spent nearly five months without scoring in the Premier League from January to May last season, which is not typical of a productive No. 9, further highlighting the need for apt cover. Broja has been David Moyes’s No. 1 target all summer.
Should they get £30 million a deal over the line, West Ham would be getting their hands on a truly elite prospect who already has experience of playing in the Premier League. West Ham are also still in talks with Sassuolo over a move for Gianluca Scamacca, but it is unlikely that the Chelsea forward and the Italian international will arrive at the London Stadium on a permanent basis.
