Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on his YouTube channel that Chelsea striker Armando Broja was close to achieving his desired move away.
The Albanian has made it clear that he wants to be a first team regular wherever he plays his football this season, hinting that Stamford Bridge is not the best place for that.
He spent hardly any time with the first team during pre-season, after he arrived late and left early from the US tour.
Thomas Tuchel has been vocal in saying the player is not for sale this summer, although that didn’t stop West Ham making a bid to sign him.
Romano has now confirmed that the deal was close to being completed, with Broja agreeing personal terms.
Broja was close to West Ham move
He said: “He was a top target for West Ham United. They submitted a proposal ten days ago, it was for £30m, but Chelsea said no. It was really close, it was agreed on the player’s side but Chelsea say no.
“As of today, I’m told Chelsea are still insistent on keeping the player. They don’t want to let him go on a permanent deal, so they were considering a potential loan but at the moment they have no intention to accept a permanent move for Armando. We will see what happens, because many clubs are interested.”
With the Hammers now securing the services of Gianluca Scamacca, they are unlikely to return for the 20-year-old, although there are still a few potential suitors.
It was claimed yesterday that Newcastle United still had belief that they can complete a deal, as they look for the spearhead to their well-rounded side.
With no other obvious striker at Stamford Bridge though, you’d think the Albanian international would have faith that he can break into the side this season, especially given the goalscoring form of the current crop up there.