Today we have been trying to go through just SOME of the 'runners and riders' in the 'great' West Ham player hunt, that is unravelling in front of us as the transfer deadline looms large! Next up on the list of 'hopefuls' is the pursuit of Chelsea's 20 year old striker, Armando Broja.
Broja is currently on loan at Southampton but can be recalled and then sold on during the next few days in accordance with his loan deal. Having scored seven goals in 20 games for Southampton since joining them on loan, Broja has indicated his desire to continue his development on the South Coast and the Saints are very keen for him to stay as well. So much so that they are apparently about to table a £25 Million bid for the young Albanian, however that figure may just be 'agent talk' and probably includes more add ons than a 'surprise' party guest list at No 10!
It remains unclear whether Chelsea want to part with their academy graduate permanently, but it is obvious that West Ham and other suitors will have to match or outbid Southampton to have any chance of getting the youngster’s signature.
Creditable journailst Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Understand Southampton are now expected to launch a £25million record bid for Albanian striker Armando Broja. Proposal to be submitted soon. Let’s see Chelsea position – as Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Broja. “He’s our player”, Tuchel said a few days ago.”
We have our own well connected source at the Bridge, who confirmed that Chelsea are indeed looking in to a compatible arrangement for the youngster which could involve a loan to buy deal, BUT with a proviso that Chelsea have the first option to buy him back should he be put on the market, alternatively they may insist on a massive sell on clause!
On one hand the purported £25 Million fee seems a lot of money for the 20 year old, however he has already shown he has the ability to cut it in the Premier League, but while Hammers CAN afford it, they are not likely to want to engage in a bidding war with Southampton, nor the inevitable last minute interest that will come from New'mint'castle.
As Chelsea are one of only three clubs in the Premier League with unlimited resources. at their disposal, they can be difficult to negotiate with, but there is 'good blood' between West Ham and Chelsea, as was seen by the ease with which the Kurt Zouma deal was done. Since selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax last January, finding a back up striker to Mikey Antonio has proved incredibly difficult for some reason, now in the past that was because there was NO money available, but while the club is not flush with cash presently, it is in a far better financial position than a good deal of it's competitors, both domestically and in Europe.
David Moyes's desire to get good value for money in the transfer market is not only commendable, but essential for a club like West Ham that has to operate on a 'limited' budget. However the club HAS reached a point where it CAN afford to pay in or around market value for one or two players, that is not to say he should go 'all Pelllegrini' and throw huge amounts of money around, he maybe just has to lower the bar ever so slightly. If not, there isn't a snow ball in hell's chance of competing for players during this window, NOT bringing in a striker WILL be a risk too far! ED
Comments
I doubt we'll get him. At 20
I doubt we'll get him. At 20 he's a frightening prospect and one Chelsea may well cling onto. As Lukaku is not exactly ripping up trees and is sulking for a return to Italy.
Although from a footballing unfashionable country. This lad is the real deal and has been more than a handful for defenders facing Southampton this season.