West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Southampton striker Armando Broja, who is on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The Albanian international, 20, has been in excellent form for Southampton, scoring nine goals in 27 games so far. He has formed a strong partnership with Che Adams up front, helping the Saints to ninth place on the table. However, the marksman’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with a number of clubs keeping an eye on him.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, West Ham are among the clubs keen on signing Chelsea loanee Armando Broja. Chelsea are aware the player’s stock is rising following his impressive performances with Southampton and may decide to sell him in the summer.
With Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette out of contract in the summer, Arsenal have also shown an interest in buying Broja. But the Gunners will face competition from West Ham, who are willing to splash as much as £25m to bag the Albanian’s signature, the report adds.
Armando Broja to West Ham—A smart long-term investment?
West Ham have enjoyed a brilliant season so far as they currently lie fifth in the table, two points off fourth-placed Manchester United. But heading into the business end of the season, David Moyes has a few concerns regarding the form and fitness of some players.
One of those is of Michail Antonio, who has been out of form of late. Antonio has managed just two goals in his last 16 Premier League games and has looked leggy since the turn of the year. While David Moyes and West Ham could really do with the Jamaican international rediscovering his mojo during the final stretch of this season, they must prioritise signing a striker to reduce Antonio’s workload from next season onwards.
In that regard, Armando Broja fits the bill perfectly at the London Stadium. Fast, physical and aerially dominant, Broja has done so well in his debut Premier League season at Southampton. The 20-year-old has not only scored goals but also shown impressive ability to link play, hold the ball up and dovetail nicely with strike partner Adams.
What stands out for the Albanian international is his confidence and composure in front of goal, which at such a tender age is quite remarkable. Notwithstanding that he is still raw and far from a finished product, Broja has the potential to become a top marksman in Europe. Initially, he could come to West Ham and play second-fiddle to Michail Antonio, whilst developing different aspects of his game under Moyes.
It remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea will sell Armando Broja in the summer, but West Ham must pull out all stops to try and make a deal happen to bolster their strike force.