Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Chelsea forward Armando Broja, who is impressing on loan at Southampton in the ongoing campaign.
According to football.london, Arsenal are closely monitoring the progress of Chelsea loanee Armando Broja at Southampton as they look to strengthen their attack in the summer transfer window.
A product of the Chelsea youth academy, Broja enjoyed a prolific spell with the club’s Under-18 side and impressed on loan at Vitesse Arnhem during the 2020/21 campaign. The 20-year-old bagged 11 goals and three assists in 34 matches for the Dutch outfit and impressed for the Blues during pre-season.
After signing a new contract with Chelsea, Broja signed for Southampton on loan for the 2021/22 campaign. He has been extremely impressive for the Saints so far in his breakthrough campaign in English football, netting eight goals and grabbing a solitary assist in 24 games across all competitions.
Broja’s impressive performances have meant that the youngster is attracting considerable interest. Southampton are already keen on signing him permanently, while Newcastle United, Everton and Leeds United are also considering making a move for him in the summer. Now, Arsenal, too, have seemingly entered the race to sign the Albanian international.
Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements before next season. The Gunners lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January and did not bring in a replacement, with their efforts to sign Dusan Vlahovic proving futile.
Their problems are likely to compound at the end of the season as both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will be out of contract, with no extension in sight. Their potential departure would leave manager Mikel Arteta with no senior striker at his disposal. Arsenal, therefore, will need to bring in at least two new forwards in the summer.
Several names, such as Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak and Rafael Leao of AC Milan, have been linked. Now, Arsenal are also eyeing Broja, potentially as a replacement for the exit-bound Nketiah. The Albanian international has been impressive this season. And Chelsea are unlikely to let him leave in the summer, especially to a London rival.
Having tied Broja down to a long-term contract until 2026, the Blues are in an extremely strong position concerning his future. So, despite Arsenal’s interest, a move in the summer transfer window looks highly unlikely.