AC Milan are reportedly contemplating a move for Chelsea prospect Armando Broja to strengthen their attacking contingent.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan have targeted young Chelsea striker Armando Broja as a priority and are ready to place a bid worth £27 million to bring the Albanian prospect to Italy.
The reigning Serie A champions are currently not very well stocked in the striking department as 35-year-old Olivier Giroud is currently the only fit number nine available at Stefano Pioli’s disposal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undergone surgery on his knee and will be on the sidelines for a prolonged period, while summer arrival Divock Origi is yet to gain match fitness leaving the AC Milan manager in a fix.
Broja had an eventful 2021/22 season at Southampton where he netted six Premier League goals, and Thomas Tuchel kept a stringent eye on him. The former Chelsea boss had blocked all the possible advances that came his way as he seemed to have some long-term plans for the youngster.
But with Tuchel now no more at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea hierarchy might have a change of plans regarding the player’s future. West Ham United had registered their interest in the Broja but later went on to sign Gianluca Scamacca from Sassuolo this summer.
AC Milan’s ageing backline needs some reassurance, and the club feels Broja can deliver on a constant basis. The 21-year-old has played a bit-part role this season and recently committed his future to Chelsea by penning a long-term contract.
But the Rossoneri are confident that they will have the final say on the deal, and a consensus can be reached in January. His astute physical structure and shrewd technicalities could be a huge blessing for AC Milan in the long run, and they have to strike first as a number of clubs will be there hounding for his signature.
AC Milan do have a very healthy relationship with the west London giants when it comes to transfers, and they will bank on it to get a deal done for Broja.
The defending champions got a reality check in their last match as they had to taste their first defeat of the season against Napoli. Age has not faded Giroud’s class as it stands but with the 2022 FIFA World Cup also looming on the horizon, it is going to be a long tiring season, and Milan do not have adequate bodies in their ranks for the time being.
