Fabrizio Romano has claimed that West Ham United have agreed personal terms with Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
The Albanian travelled late to meet up with the Blues squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, with rumours flying around about his future.
After being spotted wearing a protective boot and not featuring in the club’s friendly against Club America, it has been claimed he is part of a group returning home from the tour.
The striker has not been short of Premier League interest following a successful loan spell with Southampton last season.
The lack of guarantees over his first team minutes next season have seemingly made his mind up over his future, with Romano claiming he has agreed terms with the Hammers over a deal, despite the clubs not yet coming to an agreement.
West Ham agree terms with Broja
Romano tweeted: “West Ham are now close to signing Armando Broja. Talks progressing with Chelsea, West Ham insist for permanent deal after official offer submitted but it’s up to Chelsea.
“Broja has agreed personal terms with West Ham – all parties are getting closer.”
Thomas Tuchel has claimed he is against the idea of selling Broja this summer, although the potential of a big-money sale could take the decision out of his hands.
It could be the season Broja makes his mark as a Chelsea player, with there not being an obvious front runner for the striker role following Romelu Lukaku’s departure.
However, forcing the Hammers to accept it would be a loan deal would be a fantastic piece of business by Todd Boehly, with it allowing the Blues another season to watch the striker at the top level to assess whether he is at their level.
The addition of European football to his fixtures will further boost his development, with him hopefully able to properly make a case for a starting role in 12 months time.