Transfer Centre

Armando Broja 'keen to remain at Chelsea this summer'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 July 2023

Chelsea forward Armando Broja is reportedly keen to remain at Stamford Bridge this summer rather than explore a transfer elsewhere.

Armando Broja is reportedly keen to remain at Chelsea for their first campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the academy graduate would not feature in the club's pre-season tour of the United States, a period which includes five friendlies.

From the outside, the decision came as a blow to Broja who is currently attempting to get back up to speed after being sidelined since December with a serious knee injury.

The Albania international will continue to try to build up his fitness at the club's training facilities and potentially in games with the Under-21s.

Nevertheless, at a time when the club may still be in the market for another central forward, it has become apparent that the 21-year-old is down the pecking order ahead of the new campaign.

West Ham United manager David Moyes on May 11, 2023 © Reuters

That scenario has allegedly resulted in glances from West Ham United, who were interested in signing Broja last summer before he penned a long-term contract with his current team.

However, with Gianluca Scamacca possibly returning to Italy after just one year at the London Stadium, David Moyes is interested in acquiring the services of a new centre-forward.

However, according to The Express, Broja remains focused on trying to prove himself to Pochettino rather than cut short his time in West London.

Broja had been making progress on that front under Graham Potter last season before his injury, being provided with 18 outings under the Englishman and his predecessor Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino during the press conference on July 7, 2023 © Reuters

His solitary goal was a well-taken effort versus Wolverhampton Wanderers in October, but Broja was able to showcase his physicality during his other appearances.

As it stands, Broja is regarded as backup to Nicolas Jackson, who has been acquired from Villarreal, but a pathway has opened up due to the sales of other players.

Kai Havertz has already left for Arsenal, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will complete a transfer to Marseille before the end of the week having already been pictured in a shirt of the Ligue 1 giants.

Furthermore, Chelsea are working extensively to part ways with Romelu Lukaku, whose exit has been delayed due to a breakdown in his relationship with Inter Milan.

If Chelsea complete the signing of Montpellier attacker Elye Wahi, the France Under-21 international is expected to go out on loan rather than immediately link up with Pochettino's squad.