West Ham United: January transfer window update emerges in Armando Broja pursuit as Chelsea demand £50million for striker
West Ham are interested in a loan deal for Armando Broja this month as they cannot afford the £50million asking price for a permanent move, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported via the paper’s website on 19 January that the Stamford Bridge striker is still a target for the Hammers during the January transfer window, despite there being “little chance of them meeting Chelsea’s demands” to buy him.
Fulham and Wolves are also both credited with interest in the Albanian international, while the Irons like Feyenoord’s highly-rated Santiago Gimenez, and the recruitment department are said to have discussed alternative forward options.
Thilo Kehrer’s loan exit to Monaco this month has freed space on the wage bill, while Said Benrahma could leave to make more money available as he has no future at the London Stadium.
Long shot
From a West Ham point of view a loan deal for Broja, 22, might be fairly helpful, but it is hard to see Chelsea agreeing to one.
Since both sides are very light up front due to injuries and Africa Cup of Nations absences it is somewhat surprising that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are prepared to let their academy product leave at all this month.
But if they are to allow him to depart they are clearly looking for a hefty cash return with the eight-figure fee , so unless David Moyes was ready to convince the club’s hierarchy to commit to an obligation of that size in the summer this seems like a pursuit that is impossible.
Broja has been a West Ham target for for multiple windows, since he impressed during a season on loan at Southampton with nine goals in all competitions.
But a serious ACL injury back at Stamford Bridge last season has stalled his development and he has struggled at times this term, scoring just three Chelsea goals in the past 18 months.
Since Moyes seemingly needs someone to join the attack who can contribute immediately and have a substantial impact then it is unlikely that Broja is currently that man as he continues his return to full fitness.
A Benrahma exit would give the Irons more options this month but the lack of a transfer budget otherwise is making the window a struggle, with Giminez also well out of the current affordable price-range.
In other West Ham news, more disagreements behind the scenes have emerged amid a high-profile January pursuit.
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