Chelsea are reportedly risking the possibility of not being able to sell Armando Broja during the summer transfer window.
At the start of last season, there were hopes the academy graduate could re-establish himself as a member of the senior ranks after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Broja would go on to make eight starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions, largely playing second fiddle to summer arrival Nicolas Jackson.
However, he would deliver just two goals and was ultimately loaned out to Fulham, where he failed to start a single Premier League fixture for the Cottagers.
That has effectively ended his chances of being reintegrated back into the first-team squad, even with a new head coach in Enzo Maresca at the helm.
As a result, it is accepted the 22-year-old is available for transfer, something which has been acknowledged by the Albania international himself.
© Reuters
Chelsea risking chance to sell Broja
With Broja currently competing at Euro 2024, there is little prospect of a quick sale materialising, yet there will also be an understanding that Chelsea can benefit through the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules if they cash in before June 30.
According to The Mirror, there are few admirers currently prepared to meet an asking price said to be in the region of £35m.
The report claims that AC Milan were in attendance at the Euro 2024 game between Italy and Albania to assess the capabilities of Broja, presumably against Serie A players.
While it is unclear how the scouting team present in Germany viewed Broja's performance, there is said to be a hesitancy to meet Chelsea's asking price.
Furthermore, it is claimed that Broja is only an alternative to Milan's preferred attacking target Joshua Zirkzee, whose potential move from Bologna is allegedly being held up due to agent fees.
© Reuters
What is the next step for Chelsea?
Although Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are generally firm when it comes to setting stances over transfers, they may eventually accept that they need to be more realistic over Broja's valuation.
Just eight goals have been scored in 66 appearances for Chelsea, Southampton and Fulham in Premier League fixtures, as well as the player spending nine months on the sidelines through injury.
Monaco have seemingly moved on from their initial interest, while other suitors such as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bologna are unlikely to be open to a deal above £30m.
Darren Plant
