Leeds United and Everton are reportedly ready to rival Southampton in the race to sign Chelsea loanee Armando Broja.
If reports from TEAMtalk are to be believed, Southampton are set to face fresh competition in the pursuit of Armando Broja. The Chelsea forward is currently on loan at St. Mary’s, enjoying a breakthrough campaign in the Premier League under the leadership of Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Southampton have shown the desire to sign the Chelsea striker permanently, with the the Saints reportedly weighing up a £25 million offer. However, it appears they are set to face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Everton and Leeds United in the pursuit of the Albanian frontman, with Wolves also involved in the equation.
A product of the Chelsea youth academy, Broja joined Southampton last summer on a season-long loan deal. He joined the club alongside fellow Chelsea academy graduate Tino Livramento, who was brought in permanently.
After the halfway point of the campaign, it is Broja who has made a lasting impression at Southampton with his performances in front of goal. In 18 Premier League appearances, the striker has netted five goals, emerging as the desired first-choice number nine for Hasenhuttl, who had to deal with the departure of Danny Ings last summer.
The Albanian’s breakthrough in the Premier League has made him an appealing long-term option for Hasenhuttl. But the Saints are set to face competition from Leeds United, who are in the market for a new striker in light of Patrick Bamford’s injury woes, coupled with the struggles of both Daniel James and Rodrigo Moreno.
Although a January move is unlikely, Leeds United are hoping to add more depth in attack by signing Broja in the summer. As for the immediate future, they have set their sights on Vedat Muriqi, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to bank on the Kosovar to help them see through the remainder of the campaign.
Everton, meanwhile, have fears surrounding the long-term future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Despite his struggles with injuries, the England international has become a top target for several clubs across Europe, including Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. It won’t be surprising to see the tall centre-forward moving elsewhere in the summer, thus accentuating the need for a new number nine.
Broja fits the bill well, given his tall frame and goalscoring prowess in the final third. However, given their financial and sporting woes, it remains to be seen whether Everton or even Leeds United can compete with Southampton in pursuit of the Chelsea forward next summer. A return to Stamford Bridge cannot be ruled out either, with Thomas Tuchel open to allowing young players to perform at the highest level.
