Chelsea value their 20-year-old loanee, Armando Broja, at a higher price than even the current market value of Romelu Lukaku, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
Broja, who has already had nine goals in all competitions for loan club Southampton this season, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
This, impressively, is only his second season in his senior career.
A number of clubs, including Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, reportedly showed interest in the young striker.
Tuttomercatoweb claims that the Blues value Broja at least €70million (£57.8m).
The figure, the report added, is higher than Lukaku’s current market value, which they claim has depreciated to around €50m (£41.3m) after a tough first season at Chelsea.
This does not necessarily mean that they plan to offload the Albania international in the summer, though, but rather suggests how highly they rate him.
From Chelsea’s point of view, Broja will ideally return to the club for the pre-season next summer and compete for a spot in the first team.
However, the player’s mother, Blerina, recently claimed that for his son, “it is very important” to play regularly and not sit on the bench.
It is something that Chelsea may not be able to offer Broja, at least next season.
Another loan spell could be a solution if Broja is adamant about pursuing regular football for his development.
Although, having just signed a new five-year deal last summer, Broja is not exactly in a position to force the hand of Chelsea.
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