Since taking charge of Everton, Frank Lampard has looked to raid his former club Chelsea, especially youngsters like Armando Broja, Billy Gilmour, and Conor Gallagher. With regards to Broja, Everton have been tracking his situation and in case Chelsea decides to sell him, the Toffees would want to take a punt at signing the Albanian.
The 20 year old spent the last season on loan at Southampton, netting nine goals in 38 games. Broja’s future at Stamford Bridge is unclear as he has not traveled with the squad to the USA for pre-season fixtures. The Albanian wasn’t named in the squad traveling to America and will join the squad next week upon their return.
The striker could soon be set for showdown talks over his future at Chelsea which is keeping the hopes of Everton, West Ham United and Newcastle alive to land the poacher. The Toffees and the Hammers had formally registered interest in the Cobham academy graduate with Chelsea valuing their youngster at £30 million.
Even though his physical traits make him a perfect candidate to operate as a striker, he offers that kind of versatility that enables him to operate on the wing as well. The Toffees may need a new striker in case Dominic Calvert-Lewin decides to follow Richarlison’s path and leave Everton this summer.
West Ham to ramp up their interest in Everton target Armando Broja
Another case might be if Lampard decides to utilize a two striker formation, the team will need another striker and Broja might be a player worth looking at. In any case, Everton aren’t alone in the chase of the 20 year old.
West Ham have been the most active side in chase of Broja, aiming to bring competition for Michail Antonio. According to the Evening Standard, the Irons have not yet made a formal offer but the talks are expected to ramp up in the next 72 hours. Interest from Everton remains but Broja prefers a move to the London stadium. The Hammers could indeed secure him on a loan initially but it all depends on the talks that will take place between the two London clubs.
Everton have an admiration for the Albanian but beating West Ham to Broja’s signing won’t be easy. Everton can still take advantage of Lampard’s connections at Chelsea and try to attract Broja to Goodison but right now it all depends on Chelsea and their decision over Broja’s future.
Will the Toffees succeed in their pursuit of Armando Broja?