Real Madrid Make Surprise Inquiry For Chelsea Star

Real Madrid have reportedly enquired about Chelsea striker Armando Broja over a possible deal to sign him this summer.

The Los Blancos have added Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni to their squad and remain in the market for a young striker. Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign a backup for star striker Karim Benzema and could raid his former club.

According to the Evening Standard, Real Madrid have contacted Chelsea over a swoop for highly-rated young striker Armando Broja. Premier League clubs such as Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham are admirers of the Albania international, while there is also interest from Serie A clubs, the report adds.

Broja, 20, impressed while on loan at Southampton last season, scoring nine goals in 38 games in all competitions. He returned to Chelsea earlier in the summer, only for him to sustain an ankle injury that forced him to miss all three matches on the United States tour.

Armando Broja to Real Madrid—A good signing?

Real Madrid are looking to cut several forwards off their books and hopes to add a number of young players to their squad for the upcoming campaign. Luka Jovic, Gareth Bale and Isco have been released at the end of last season, while Karim Benzema is not getting any younger.

Thus, Carlo Ancelotti is on the hunt for a new striker to cover and compete with Benzema, who will turn 35 in December. Armando Broja, in that regard, certainly fits the bill at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Broja enjoyed his first taste of Premier League football with Southampton, where he formed a strong partnership with Che Adams up top in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s 4-2-2-2 system. The 20-year-old averaged 1.4 shots, 2.8 aerials won, 0.3 key passes and 1 dribble per game in the English top flight, which are decent numbers for someone so young and playing in the Premier League for the first time (h/t whoscored).

The Albanian is a young player with huge potential but still has a lot of rough edges to iron out to become a complete striker. He can be a quality option up top for Real Madrid, if Ancelotti can work out a way to get the best out of him. The Chelsea youngster is good with his hold-up play and would offer a different dimension to Real’s play.

Whether he stays put at Chelsea or leaves, Broja would want guaranteed regular game time next term, one that looks slim at Real Madrid due to Benzema’s presence. However, the Los Blancos’ mighty pull and the opportunity to learn under one of Europe’s best strikers could be too much for Broja to turn down if they come calling now.