View: West Ham have no chance in Armando Broja race as Southampton plot £25million bid
West Ham are keen on Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who is on loan at Southampton, but they are set to be dealt a huge blow in his pursuit from the look of things.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided information about the Saints’ pursuit of the Albanian international, 20, on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday (26 January) morning, and it is not good news for the Hammers.
Sky Sports pundit Daniel Gabbidon recently claimed that David Moyes “likes” Broja, while ExWHUemployee reported earlier this week on his podcast that the Irons are looking at the possibility of getting a deal done this month.
Romano said: “Understand Southampton are now expected to launch a £25million record bid for Albanian striker Armando Broja.
“Proposal to be submitted soon.
“Let’s see Chelsea position – as Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Broja. “He’s our player”, Tuchel said a few days ago.”
£25million is a lot of money for a 20-year-old, and while West Ham can afford it, they are not likely to spend it on any striker this month.
They want a cover and competition for Michail Antonio, and Moyes will be keen on a bargain deal for a backup in the January transfer window.
Having scored seven goals in 20 games for Southampton since joining them on loan, Broja will want to continue his development on the South Coast, and the club wants to ensure that happens.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea want to part with their academy graduate permanently, but it is clear that West Ham and other suitors have to outbid Southampton to have any chance of pipping them to the youngster’s signature.
Given the Hammers’ recent track record in the transfer market, that is unlikely to happen, and it is safe to say that they are out of the race.
They really could do with a new striker in order to bolster their top-four chances in the second half of the campaign, but spending over £25million on one looks far-fetched.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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