West Ham United links to Chelsea striker Armando Broja ‘entirely dismissed’ amid pre-season snub
Links between Chelsea striker Armando Broja and West Ham have been “entirely dismissed” at this stage, according to the Express.
The newspaper reported on its website on Thursday (20 July) that the 21-year-old is eager to stay at Stamford Bridge this season.
His desire comes despite being left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA, which the Express reports is due to the player recovering from injury.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (20 July), however, claims that the omission comes due to Broja being involved in “hot talks” with the Hammers.
“Recent reports from Italy have indicated that West Ham are closing in on a move for Broja, who may be given greater game time assurances in east London,” according to the Express.
“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.
“Links between Broja and West Ham have been entirely dismissed at this stage, while the player’s omission from the pre-season squad is solely down to the fact that he is yet to fully recover from the devastating knee injury he suffered in December.”
Future uncertain
It remains to be seen why Chelsea left Broja at home while they get going in the USA, with perhaps only manager Mauricio Pochettino knowing exactly why the striker was not included in the squad.
The forward has not featured since his unfortunate anterior cruciate ligament injury which he sustained in a friendly against Aston Villa during the 2022 World Cup, so it makes sense that he hasn’t been included if indeed he is currently recovering.
But could that just be an excuse from the Blues as they look to offload the Albanian youngster? Regular minutes at Chelsea look really hard to come by in the final third, particularly following the summer arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.
Broja may be keen to stay and impress the new boss, but in terms of his career progression, a Stamford Bridge exit looks like the best option ahead of the new season.
In other West Ham news, an agent has mooted a Hammers move for one Champions League winner, with a deal there to be done.