Chelsea 'fighting to keep Armando Broja'

Chelsea are reportedly doing everything possible to retain the services of Armando Broja.

Having impressed during loan periods with Vitesse and Southampton, the Albania international is now regarded as one of the top young forwards in European football.

Although the 20-year-old is tied to Chelsea until 2026, it has been well documented that he does not want to spend the next year of his career on the substitutes' bench.

That has seemingly resulted in strong interest from West Ham United, who are prepared to spend big in order to sign the prospect on a permanent deal.

With Broja having flown home early from Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, it has been suggested in some quarters that the journey has been made to speed up a transfer.

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However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are fighting to keep hold of one of their most talented academy graduates.

The two clubs are said to be still be in negotiations regarding a possible deal, but it is claimed that a loan switch is off the table as it stands.

As Chelsea did with Tino Livramento last year, there is potential for a sale with the Blues possessing a buy-back option at a later date.

Nevertheless, Romano says that head coach Thomas Tuchel is eager to keep Broja at Stamford Bridge, backing up recent comments which have been made by the German.

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Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Tuchel said: "I don't expect [Broja] to leave. I'm aware of the offers and aware of the interest. We will make a decision together, the owner and me and the player. When he arrived it was clear he is trying to impress and become a Chelsea player.

"After his Southampton loan it's clear he wants to make the next step. Unfortunately he got injured and there is now a lot of interest in him. Let's see how that goes. He has a contract here."

Broja's solitary senior appearance for Chelsea came as a substitute against Everton on March 8, Chelsea's final Premier League fixture before the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Since then, Broja has contributed 20 goals from 72 appearances at Vitesse and Southampton, six of which came in the Premier League last season.

Napoli have also been linked with a potential move for the player and are regarded as the most realistic alternative to West Ham.