West Ham United-linked Armando Broja reveals stance on Chelsea future amid speculation
West Ham target Armando Broja wants to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place next season, according to the Express.
The newspaper reported on its website on Thursday (20 July) that the Albanian is eager to impress new manager Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
The striker has been left at home as the Blues take part in a pre-season tour of the USA, with La Gazzetta dello Sport (20 July) claiming that the omission was due to ongoing “hot talks” with West Ham.
“Armando Broja is set to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place next season, despite reported interest from West Ham,” according to the Express.
“Blues fans were left unsure of the 21-year-old’s intentions after a string of cryptic social media posts, having missed out on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.
“However, Express Sport understands that the youngster is intent on staying at Chelsea and earning his place in Pochettino’s plans for the upcoming campaign.”
Attacking talent needed
Broja’s Chelsea future really is up in the air, but perhaps for now it is primarily because he is still recovering from his long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury which he suffered in December.
It certainly wouldn’t have made sense for the Blues to bring the player along if he isn’t ready to get some minutes on the pitch.
But the omission, along with the arrivals of fellow forwards Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, has resulted in plenty of rumours linking Broja with a Stamford Bridge exit this summer.
The current situation at the Blues will be welcome news to Hammers supporters, who are desperate to see their club make moves this summer as the new Premier League season rapidly approaches.
A Declan Rice replacement should be the priority, but attacking reinforcements are also needed if the club have ambitions to have success in the league and in the Europa League.
In other West Ham news, an agent has mooted a Hammers move for one Champions League winner, with a deal there to be done.