Chelsea backed to sanction deal with West Ham intervention to spark bidding war
There is a strong possibility that West Ham will be able to poach Chelsea star Armando Broja who is currently on loan at Southampton, per a report.
Broja has played just four minutes of senior football at Chelsea. However, the 20-year-old made a name for himself on loan at Vitesse last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. The forward returned to England, and has been plying his trade at Southampton this term. He has scored seven goals in all competitions, making him the Saints’ top scorer.
While Broja’s contribution has helped fire Southampton to 12th, it has also attracted interest from elsewhere.
West Ham are reported to be keen on the Chelsea youngster. What’s more, Chelsea Chronicle writer Nathaniel Kay feels the Hammers have a realistic shot, per Hammers News.
“I think there is a pretty strong possibility of selling him,” he said.
“Chelsea are clearly not lacking in attacking players and Thomas Tuchel will want to get the best out of those who have generally struggled [Werner, Havertz, Lukaku].”
While that is true, Broja has outscored both Werner and Havertz in the league this season, and has the same goal tally as Lukaku. It may be premature to sell him, especially before he has completed his full loan spell with the Saints.
“The board are usually pretty good at sniffing out a good deal. If they can get £20m plus for a player they raised through the academy, that will be seen as decent business,” he added.
For their part, Southampton were revealed to be keen on signing Broja to a permanent deal.
The Guardian stated last week that talks had commenced, though Thomas Tuchel later revealed he holds Broja in high regard, suggesting the Blues won’t sell on the cheap.
Though if a bidding war between Southampton and West Ham emerges, Chelsea could conceivably sanction a sale if the fees offered are too good to turn down.
For a player of Broja’s obvious class and age, that does not seem out of the question at this stage.
Broja among Hammers forward targets
In other news, West Ham are interested in Championship hitman Ben Brereton Diaz. The side are expected to make a decision on whether to pursue him this week.
The clock is ticking on the January window, and West Ham have just one recognised senior striker in their ranks.
As such, signing someone as either a back up, or to play alongside Michail Antonio is wise.
The Hammers have reportedly had scouts watching Brereton Diaz of late. As such, they should be close to a decision on whether to pursue him or not.
READ MORE: David Moyes pushing boat out as West Ham look to Everton man to fill problem position
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