Chelsea
Premier League • England
Potential striker exit opens door for Armando Broja to quit Chelsea for ‘extra-large’ project
Napoli have revived their interest in Chelsea striker Armando Broja as a successor to Victor Osimhen, reports have been claiming in Italy.
Broja is currently enjoying a productive season on loan at Southampton from Chelsea. In his first full campaign as a Premier League player, he has scored nine goals from 36 games in all competitions.
There have been several clubs taking note of the 20-year-old’s potential. Southampton may want to keep him, while other English clubs like Arsenal or West Ham have been linked.
But it recently emerged that Napoli are in contention for his transfer too. It will all depend on whether a takeover goes through in time for Chelsea to be able to perform transfer business.
If so, they could expect an offer from Napoli for Broja. The latest source to verify the interest is Gazzetta Dello Sport, who indicate that he is a candidate to replace Osimhen in the summer.
Osimhen has impressed leading the line for Napoli this season, but they could earn big money by selling him. As Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk covered, Manchester United or Arsenal could make bids for the Nigerian.
In turn, Napoli will need to find a replacement. Although Gazzetta acknowledge Broja isn’t as prolific yet, their report suggests he should be considered in Naples.
His technical ability and mobility are listed as the key appealing traits. Napoli are aiming to build a side ready to compete in the Champions League again; they will target strong players in the transfer window to help. Per Gazzetta, it will be an “extra-large” market.
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For the striker’s role, Broja is on their agenda, despite his contract with Chelsea running until 2026. It seems Napoli are one of the contenders to be taken seriously in the battle for the Slough-born Albania international.
Napoli an interesting option for Broja to consider
Although he has now begun establishing himself in the Premier League, it may be worth Broja testing himself in Serie A.
Former Chelsea forwards Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham have done well since moves to Milan and Roma respectively. Broja could be the next to follow the Serie A path with Napoli.
That said, still only 20, he may not want to give up on the Premier League just yet. He will have a few admirers willing to give him a chance in England.
Therefore, he should be patient and weigh up all his options. But it remains to be seen which will have Champions League football on offer; Napoli definitely will.
Hence, it may be a tempting idea – especially if Osimhen leaves, which would give him a big role to fill.
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