Chelsea rejected an approach from AC Milan for their 22-year-old attacker Armando Broja, who the club want to keep for many years to come.
According to Fabrizio Romano via YouTube, Chelsea rejected an approach for Armando Broja from AC Milan. The 22-year-old Albanian attacker had been on the Italian side’s radar, but the Blues chose not to entertain an approach, as they want to keep him for the long term future.
Armando Broja has been at Chelsea and did impress when he went to Southampton on loan. Last season, the club decided to keep him and hand him a new long-term contract. The deal showed the Blues counted on the 22-year-old attacker for their future, but an unfortunate knee injury more or less ruled him out for the season.
Broja continues to make a return to first-team action slowly, but he was still the subject of interest during the summer window. West Ham were keen on signing him as their new striker and a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.
Chelsea were uninterested, and West Ham probably knew of their intention, which may have stopped them from approaching. However, AC Milan did make enquiries about Broja’s availability, but the Blues rejected their overtures as they wished to keep the Albanian on their side.
Great news!!! Armando Broja is close to a return to the first team. pic.twitter.com/RgRQj5FWIh
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) September 11, 2023
Chelsea were short of strikers during the window and only managed to bring Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. They may have wanted another player in the position but could not find a reliable option that suits their style and transfer policy.
AC Milan have had Broja on their radar for a long time and may have thought Chelsea were in a vulnerable position with the 22-year-old attacker. After his recent injury, the striker’s market value had dipped, which could have forced the Blues to make a sale.
Milan also had some dealings with Chelsea, notably signing Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the summer. They may have considered making an offer for Broja, too, but the Premier League side chose to snub the approach.
Broja has a long-term deal with Chelsea, and the club sees him as a proper player for their future sides. Hence, any move for Milan would have proved difficult, even if they made a sizeable offer. Now, all eyes will stay focused on the 22-year-old attacker’s imminent return to action, as the club really lacks a proper option up front.