West Ham United path to Armando Broja deal clears as Chelsea reach key agreement
Chelsea have reached an agreement with West Ham target Armando Broja that a permanent move this summer is best, according to The Express.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel had said ahead of their first preseason game in the US they had “no interest in selling” the Albanian [via Football London], but Fabrizio Romano reports that the player and the Hammers both want a permanent deal.
With a deal thought to be very close after the £30million total bid from the Irons, it appears that a key hurdle has been cleared as the sellers have now made the decision to fall in line with the 20-year-old’s viewpoint.
The latest report from the Express transfer live blog at 8.32am on Tuesday (18 July) says: “Chelsea and Armando Broja have agreed that a permanent exit would be more desirable than a loan this summer, Express Sport understands.
“The striker is believed to have pushed for a permanent solution after a fruitful loan spell at Southampton last season, which saw him net six Premier League goals.”
Ready to go?
The reticence of the Irons’ London rivals to sanction a permanent exit for the Albanian was the main sticking point remaining in the way, with the player very much on board with a move.
If that is now gone it should only be a matter of time before this one is made official, subject to any clauses being added to the deal.
In the circumstances Todd Boehly’s club are sure to want a buy-back of some sort included, so West Ham will need to make sure it is sizeable to prevent them snatching him straight back if he proves a hit in east London.
Based on Broja’s own position this summer there has to be a doubt that he would even agree to return in future, assuming this one does get completed now.
He would have presumably been in line for a greater role at Stamford Bridge with the exit of Romelu Lukaku, yet he has not been given guarantees and so is pushing to cut ties.
With Michail Antonio 32 the 20-year-old could expect to assume the mantle of main striker before long if he is successful under David Moyes.
The ambitious youngster appears to have his heart set on a move to the London Stadium, and the club have fought a hard battle to overcome strong opposition.
Now with the change of position at Chelsea it appears that the effort from both parties is about to be rewarded.