Chelsea were ‘ready to sell’ starlet to major European club before change of heart – report

Chelsea were ‘ready to sell’ Armando Broja to a major European club before changing their minds, according to a report.

Broja came through the Chelsea academy before making his senior debut in March 2020. He spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Vitesse in Holland, where he managed 11 goals in 34 appearances.

The centre-forward is once again out on loan, this time at Southampton. He is enjoying a good campaign, having registered nine goals and one assist in 35 matches so far.

Broja was in particularly deadly in the first half of the season, as well as just after the new year. He found the net against the likes of Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

Goals have dried up for the 20-year-old in recent months. His downturn in form is one of several reasons why Southampton have lost five of their last eight Premier League outings.

Despite this, Broja has impressed plenty of scouts in his first full top-flight season. Leeds, Everton and West Ham are all monitoring his situation ahead of potential bids in the future.

Chelsea have a big decision to make this summer. Broja has proven his ability to compete in the Prem, meaning he could request a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next season.

But with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz already available, he may struggle for game time.

Italian source Tuttomercatoweb provide an intriguing report on Broja. They claim Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia was ‘ready to sell’ him earlier in the season.

And Napoli were the main suitors, with their chief Cristiano Giuntoli a big admirer.

Broja was one of the ‘most appreciated profiles’ to replace Victor Osimhen, who could leave Naples at the end of the campaign.

The Italian outfit made an approach and appeared to be closing in on a deal.