Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Armando Broja this summer, and now there has been a new update on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the final weeks of the transfer window.
What’s the latest?
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are set to make an immediate move for Chelsea striker Broja this weekend.
As per the report, Everton are ramping up their attempts to sign a striker and the young player is a target for the Toffees with the club expected to ask the London club about signing him on loan.
DCL’s replacement
It comes as no surprise that Everton are now advancing on their interest in Broja, following the series of unfortunate events that have unfolded in the forward-line for the Toffees over the last week.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been ruled out of action for around six weeks, and with Salomon Rondon suspended on top of Richarlison’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Merseysiders’ attacking threat has never been so weak under Frank Lampard, so the move for Broja makes perfect sense as their desperation for forwards reach new heights.
The £30m Albanian striker who was hailed “very talented” by Lampard, featured against Everton in their victory over the side at Goodison Park at the weekend, but now the Toffees boss could finally bring his long-term transfer target in to strengthen the centre-forward role.
Broja impressed on loan with Southampton last season in the Premier League, scoring nine goals and delivering one assist in all competitions over his spell with the Saints, and now he could be the answer to the Calvert-Lewin-shaped hole in the Everton team.
The Toffees striker and the Chelsea youngster use their 6 foot 2 and 6 foot 3 statures respectively, to dominate opponents and knock their competitors off the ball in front of goal, with Broja proving he can match or even better Calvert-Lewin for quality in the position over last season.
According to FBref, the 19-year-old had a better shot-on-target accuracy (39.6%) and took more shots per 90 minutes (2.19).
Furthermore, the former Saints loanee produced more shot-creating actions (37) and was more successful in his pressures (29.8%) but did make 15 more appearances in the Premier League than Calvert-Lewin who spent a number of months out injured.
With that being said, the signing of Broja would certainly take the pressure off Lampard and the powers at Goodison Park ahead of their upcoming games in the Premier League where they will be without Calvert-Lewin, but it will take some convincing for Chelsea to part ways with their player.
