Chelsea could lose Armando Broja in the summer as interest for the striker continues to grow, according to reports.
The young Albanian international has been attracting attention with his impressive football while playing on loan for Southampton this season.
His spell at Southampton is his first taste of senior football outside a loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie. And he has taken these chances very well leading to him being talked up in the media as a potential transfer for a number of clubs across Europe.
The Daily Express reports that the 20-year-old is a target for German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Southampton would also like to keep the striker on a permanent basis at the club and are working towards presenting a bid to his parent club Chelsea before the summer.
He has played 20 games for Southampton in the Premier League this season. Saints manager Ralph Hasenhutl is very impressed with a 20 year old who has scored six goals and provided one assist in the games he has played for the Saints.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also impressed with the striker’s performances at Southampton. He has been asked about Broja’s chances of making it into the Chelsea squad next season.
However, he has stated that it was too early to discuss.
Now according to the Daily Express, Tuchel could be giving up on a chance to play the Albanian for Chelsea as clubs have already begun to indicate interest in him. The young striker is reportedly also not averse to leaving Chelsea in search of playing time elsewhere.
Bayern and Dortmund preparing for life after potential exits of big strikers
The reports about Broja’s departure from Chelsea and the interest of both Bayern and Dortmund in the Albanian stem from reports that both clubs are preparing for the exits of their two key men up front.
Earlier this week Bayern legend and Polish international striker Robert Lewandowski announced a desire for a new challenge next season.
The 33-year-old Pole who was named the world’s best player in the FIFA awards has a few months remaining on his current contract with the Bavarians.
Barring a change of heart from Lewandowski, he may likely be playing elsewhere next season and Bayern Munich will be needing another striker.
Also, Dortmund are likely to lose Erling Haaland as his transfer clause will kick into effect at the end of the current season. Several clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in the 21-year-old Norwegian and it is unlikely that Dortmund will be able to keep him at the Westfalenstadion for longer.
In the Premier League, Chelsea may also receive a bid from their London rivals Arsenal, who are reported also to be interested in the 20-year-old striker.
The Gunners have lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this January and will lose their other two strikers in Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in the summer. As a result, a new striker is the Gunners’ priority for the summer and Broja is reportedly on their list.
Tuchel keeping a close eye on striker’s development
Broja joined Southampton last summer on a season-long loan and will be returning to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. The Blues retained him on a five-year deal before sending him on loan to the Saints at the start of the season.
The Chelsea boss noted that the club is keeping a close eye on his development at Southampton. “He’s our player and he’s doing good, but at the same time it’s only half a season, so he needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton,” Tuchel said in January.
“We have a reason why they are our players, they have quality and mentality and now they are out there on their own in different environments and clubs, and proving themselves.
“Armando’s getting better and better, he’s a very unique player with unique strengths in his game – he has speed, he’s robust and he’s a goalscorer.
“First of all now is not the moment to discuss about the summer – it’s the moment for him to stay calm and keep on improving.”
