Dean White

Mon 18 July 2022 13:40, UK

Armando Broja has left Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA ahead of a move to West Ham United but the proposed transfer seems to be getting forced through by the striker, according to David Ornstein.

Writing on The Athletic website on Monday (18 July), Ornstein said that Broja, 20, has agreed personal terms with the Irons, who offered £25million plus £5million in add-ons for the Albania international last week.

While Broja still needs to work out the length of his deal with the Hammers, the East London club remains locked in talks with Chelsea about the fee.

Ornstein says: “Sources indicate the proposed move has not developed at the request of Chelsea, rather it is being driven by Broja and his desire to be starting regular first-team matches.”

It is understood that an agreement between West Ham and Chelsea is close with the Albanian striker seemingly very keen to make the permanent move to the London Stadium.

He’s desperate

If a West Ham player was trying to force his way out of the London Stadium, we wouldn’t be happy.

But to see a young player trying to push his club into selling to the Irons due to a desperation to play senior football, we’re delighted.

Broja really wants to play for us and that’s a great sign because it shows that he’s 100 per cent committed towards making the move and he’ll no doubt leave everything on the pitch whenever he plays.

He spent last season on loan at Southampton, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.

For a 20-year-old playing his first full season in the Premier League, those numbers are impressive and the Slough-born Albania international will surely continue to improve under the guidance of David Moyes.

There’s no doubt that Michail Antonio will also have an excellent impact on him at the training ground while the extra competition could see the Jamaica international’s performances improve too.

West Ham are finally signing a striker and it’s around 40 degrees outside.

Is the end nigh?