By Nathaniel Kay

Report: Serie A side have been in contact over signing 20-year-old Chelsea player for months now

Napoli’s sporting director has reportedly been in contact with Armando Broja’s agent for months now.

According to CalcioNapoli24, Cristiano has maintained a conversation with the representatives of the Chelsea youngster for some time.

Napoli’s sporting director likes the look of Broja

Broja’s attorney will certainly have his work cut out this summer.

The 20-year-old is wanted all across England and Europe, following a decent season on loan at Southampton.

He certainly captured the imagination between December and January, when the striker scored or assisted four Premier League goals in six games.

But the centre-forward only scored once more in the top flight after netting against Tottenham Hotspur in February.

His final tally for the campaign finished on nine, a relatively respectable total considering Southampton’s slump in form, and the fact he only started 24 matches across all competition.

Several clubs clearly appreciate Broja for more than just his ability to ripple the net.

West Ham United and AC Milan have been linked with the Albanian international, with a handful of other Serie A sides seemingly following suit.

Armando is a man in demand

Along with Napoli, CalcioNapoli24 also name Inter Milan as another interested party.

But the Italian teams will have to go through Chelsea first before reaching the attacker’s signature.

They will give the final say on whether or not the Cobham academy product stays or goes.

More specifically, Thomas Tuchel is due to decide the future of the exciting talent.

With his front-line well-stocked at the moment, Broja must seriously impress the coach in pre-season to warrant a place in the senior squad.

However, Broja might benefit from the overhaul that could happen over the summer.

Todd Boehly’s reign as the new owner signals the start of new players coming in, and old players going out.

Other than Mason Mount, each one of Tuchel’s forwards are at risk of being sold or loaned.

If just one of them flees the nest, a space should open up for Broja to swoop into.

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Nathaniel Kay

Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He has worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produces regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League.