Armando Broja: Real Madrid register interest in Chelsea striker as three Premier League suitors remain
Chelsea could lose Armando Broja to Real Madrid despite planning to reintegrate him this season, according to reports.
Broja had only made one senior appearance for Chelsea by the time they sent him out on loan to Southampton last summer. He has returned from his spell on the South Coast as a more polished player.
During the 2021-22 season, Broja racked up 38 appearances and nine goals. It followed on from his 34 appearances and 11 goals while on loan with Vitesse the season before.
Subsequently, there has been plenty of interest in Broja’s services. But Chelsea have had him back for pre-season training and could make use of him after offloading Romelu Lukaku.
Now, though, they face fresh interest in their academy graduate. After earlier claims by AS, the Evening Standard are now giving weight to the idea of Broja being targeted by Real Madrid.
According to the Standard, the Spanish champions have made an enquiry about Broja’s availability.
Los Blancos are looking for further depth up front this summer. In Karim Benzema, they have one of the best players in the world leading the line. But behind him in the pecking order, they have let go of Luka Jovic.
What’s more, Borja Mayoral is likely to make a move to Getafe permanent and there are no plans to include Mariano Diaz to a great extent this season.
Therefore, Madrid might need a new deputy for Benzema, which is why they have turned to Armando Broja.
Chelsea were considering offers for the Albania international earlier in the summer, the Standard claims. However, they now expect him to form part of Thomas Tuchel’s senior squad.
That said, an exit is not impossible amid interest from a number of clubs. In the Premier League, Broja has attracted Everton, Newcastle and West Ham, although the latter would only like a loan deal.
If they are to let Broja go, Chelsea would rather sanction a permanent sale this time around. It is not yet clear how much Madrid might be willing to pay.
Previous reports had suggested Real would not be looking to spend much more this summer and may in fact like to take Timo Werner from Chelsea on loan.
But there are some doubts as to Werner’s availability, so it will be interesting to see if they firm up their interest in Broja – who also has suitors in Serie A on the continent.
If Chelsea do end up letting him go, the Standard suggests someone else who was out on loan last season – Michy Batshuayi – could get a chance to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid move may be appealing for Armando Broja
At present, it is not clear what Broja plans for his own future. He is under contract with Chelsea until 2026.
Truth be told, he would not be likely to be a starter at either Chelsea or Real Madrid. But with room to grow at the age of 20, he could compete for his place.
Armando Broja wanted by West Ham for huge price
Chelsea striker Armando Broja on loan at Southampton is wanted by West Ham but they will have to pay over £40m
Real Madrid are the European champions, of course, so have a particular appeal. That said, Chelsea won the same trophy the season before, so are of a high pedigree themselves.
Either club would be a step up from the level Broja was playing at with Southampton. He has earned himself a few admirers in the process and now faces an interesting choice about his future.
Until any bids arrive, though, Broja will be a Chelsea player.
