Leeds United and Everton are set to rival West Ham United for the signing of Chelsea forward Armando Broja.
According to 90min, West Ham United are set to make an official move for Chelsea centre-forward Armando Broja, who spent the last season on loan at Southampton. The Hammers are eager to add a striker this summer, but face competition from Leeds United and Everton for Broja’s signature.
The 20-year-old scored six league goals for the Saints last season and while the numbers don’t stand out, the Albanian international impressed during his loan stint. Broja returns to Chelsea this summer but West Ham are eager to snap him up from their London rivals.
West Ham United are short-handed in the centre-forward department with Michail Antonio their only recognised striker. David Moyes is thus eager to add reinforcements for the position and they have identified Broja as a potential option.
West Ham United are ready to step up their pursuit of the 20-year-old, who still has four years left on his Chelsea contract. But the Blues will be ready to part ways with the striker should the right offer arrives.
Broja could cost Moyes’ side a significant sum, but the Hammers are ready to spend big this summer and could meet Chelsea’s demands even though Broja has just a year of Premier League football under his belt.
Indeed, West Ham are reportedly prepared to make a £30 million bid for the striker to try and finally get the deal through. But they may need to act quick as there are other clubs now monitoring the Albanian’s situation as well. Arsenal were also said to be showing interest but they now seem focussed on Gabriel Jesus.
Leeds United and Everton have now entered the race to sign Broja. The Whites struggled in the absence of Patrick Bamford last season and are intent on adding a new striker to complement the ex-Chelsea ace and Joe Gelhardt. As for Everton, they are staring at the prospect of losing both their star forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, with the latter linked to Chelsea.
However, as per the report, despite Leeds and Everton’s interest, West Ham United are still considered favourites to sign Broja. The Hammers can offer the Chelsea starlet European football next season as they are set to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League after finishing seventh in the league table.