Chelsea told they have Romelu Lukaku replacement right under their nose amid £122m claim

Chelsea have been told that Armando Broja could be Romelu Lukaku's long-term replacement with the Belgian's future up in the air.

The Blues youngster is excelling on loan at Southampton with seven goals from just 13 starts in all competitions following an impressive spell with Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem last term.

The 20-year-old is set to return to Stamford Bridge in the summer despite reports that the Saints are looking to make the move permanent.

It's claimed that Ralph Hasenhuttl's men were preparing a £25m club-record bid for Broja in January, while Newcastle were also credited with interest, but neither came to fruition.

Broja could turn out to be a useful asset for Thomas Tuchel next season, however, given Chelsea's well-documented issues at the top end of the pitch.

Timo Werner has struggled in front of goal since arriving at the club, while Lukaku claimed back in December that he wasn't happy following his £97m move from Inter Milan.

And Brjoa's former Vitesse teammate Thomas Bruns reckons the young striker will play a pivotal role in the Chelsea first team as Mason Mount, who also had a spell at the Dutch club, has shown there is a pathway for academy graduates.

Bruns also believes Broja can eventually succeed Lukaku if he leaves the club.

Talking to Dutch outlet Voetbal, he said: “He sees Mason Mount as his example.

“He also did well at Vitesse and is now a key player at Chelsea.

“No shocking numbers, but apart from those ten goals, he has shown what other qualities he has. I think he can make it to the first team at Chelsea within four years.

“That will also be his goal. They will need a new striker anyway if Lukaku wants to move on in the long run. I think he could do that.”

Lukaku