West Ham United: Thomas Tuchel expects Armando Broja to remain at Chelsea
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Armando Broja will remain at Stamford Bridge next season despite intense interest from West Ham.
The Athletic revealed (18 July) that West Ham and Chelsea are close to agreeing on a deal for the 20-year-old forward.
However, it appears that a London Stadium move is some way off after Tuchel’s latest comments.
As quoted by The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday 19 July (via Twitter), Tuchel said: “I don’t expect Armando to leave.
“We are aware of offers.
“We are aware of the interest.
“That tells us his potential.”
This is a huge blow for the Hammers if true and West Ham fans will be hoping that there is miscommunication between the club hierarchy and Tuchel.
There seems to be a lot of reluctance from Chelsea to let the 20-year-old leave the club this summer, with a loan deal their preference.
West Ham are showing plenty of intent in their desire to secure a permanent deal for the Albanian striker with Chelsea clearly keen not to lose any potential value that he may add to his stock if he was a success at the London Stadium.
Broja is at an age where he needs to be playing first-team football regularly and looks to be keen on a move to the London Stadium with the chance of being the main man on the table.
Tuchel’s comments could be being used as a ploy to drive his price up further, but it is a move the Hammers simply have to pursue as long as Chelsea aren’t asking for stupid money.
Let’s hope Tuchel’s comments aren’t completely accurate.