Plan for Armando Broja transpires as new contract is signed, with two Chelsea stars to follow

Talented young striker Armando Broja is firmly in the future plans of Chelsea after committing to a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Broja, still only 20, was a transfer target for a number of Premier League clubs in the summer. Everton and West Ham were both interested in the powerful attacker. The Slough-born No.9 was even a target for Real Madrid.

According to the Evening Standard, the Spanish champions made an enquiry about Broja’s availability in July.

But now it transpires that Chelsea were never going to let the attacker move on after impressing at Southampton.

Broja racked up 38 appearances and nine goals on loan with the Saints. That was on the back of 34 appearances and 11 goals while on loan with Vitesse in the Eredivisie the season before.

Broja has three sub appearances to his name so far this term. And he will be battling with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz and new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a starting role.

Broja ‘lost for words’

“I’m lost for words really just thinking about it. It’s the club I’ve dreamed of playing for my whole life, the club that I support and the club that I love. I’ve been here since I was a boy so it’s a surreal feeling for me and my family,” Broja told the club’s website.

“To be able to put on the blue shirt with the first team is a dream come true. It’s amazing every minute that you get to play on the pitch because this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“There’s always competition and everyone wants to play so I’m just happy that I have the opportunity to be a part of it. Hopefully I get to play a lot of matches and be a part of the team’s success.”

On agreeing the new contract, Todd Boehly, chairman, said: “We are delighted Armando has committed to Chelsea. He is a young and exciting striker and a big part of our plans moving forward.”

Mount, James to follow Broja?

Broja’s deal could be quickly followed by extensions for first-team duo Reece James and Mason Mount.

90mins reports that Boehly is understood to see James and Mount as two of the club’s most important players. And the American does not want to lose the pair.

James, 22, and Mount, 23, were approached in the summer over signing new deals at Stamford Bridge. The pair are far from the biggest earners at the club. And they remain on the modest contracts they signed in January 2020 and July 2019 respectively.

Speaking to Sky Sports in July, Mount said: “I’ve got two years but I’m extremely happy at this club.  I’ve been here since six years old. So I think maybe over the next couple of months the talks will start, so obviously it’s exciting.”

The England stars are in line for new six-year deal. And talks are expected to continue now the transfer window has closed.

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