Arsenal are reportedly lining up a summer move for Southampton striker Armando Broja, who is on loan from Chelsea.
The north London giants are in need of attacking reinforcements with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contracts at the end of the season and likely to leave the club. With the Gunners having released Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January, Mikel Arteta could face a potential crisis in attack come summer.
According to Football London, Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Armando Broja. Southampton have already made it clear that they would want the young striker back next season, at least on loan if not on a permanent deal. Chelsea, however, were hesitant to entertain such ideas during the winter transfer window, the report adds.
Broja, 20, has starred on loan with Southampton, contributing with eight goals in 24 appearances in all competitions. He has earned a lot of plaudits for his displays in his debut Premier League campaign, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta eyeing a move in the next transfer window.
Armando Broja to Arsenal—Should Mikel Arteta pursue him?
Following a quiet January transfer window in which Arsenal failed to make any new additions to their squad, there is a big possibility of the club splashing big in the summer’s transfer window—just like they did before the start of the season. The north London giants will dip into the transfer market as they aim to sign a new striker, right-back and central midfielder.
Due to Arteta adopting a model of building a young team at the Emirates Stadium, the acquisition of a young striker could be on the cards. And it looks like the Gunners’ tactician has set his sights on Armando Broja following his exploits on loan with the Saints.
Standing at 6ft 3ins tall, Broja is a towering, powerful and pacey striker who can be a real menace for the defenders in the box. The Albanian international can also operate as a secondary striker, hold the ball up and bring others into play. He is an immensely talented player who has the technical skills to be a ruthless finisher in front of goal.
Due to his big frame and physicality, Broja is a handful in the air and can dominate defenders. The 20-year-old is also blessed with a good turn of pace that he uses to make runs in behind the opposition backline, making him such a difficult player to defend. He is a raw talent with loads of untapped potential which Arteta may feel he can unlock.
If Arsenal manage to secure the Albanian’s services, he would be another exciting addition to the pool of youngsters at the Emirates Stadium. Armando Broja could arrive at the Emirates as an ideal replacement for Nketiah, whose contract is expiring at the end of the season.