Newcastle United could still be in line to land Chelsea‘s Armando Broja this summer, despite suggestions that the striker is set to stay at Stamford Bridge.
What’s the word?
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who revealed that the Magpies could potentially move for the 20-year-old before the window closes on 1 September, having been linked with the Albania international in recent months.
The transfer insider stated: “Let’s see what happens with Armando Broja because Chelsea turned down the proposals from West Ham and they signed Scamacca. But let’s see if Newcastle will try for him.”
Recent reports have suggested that the 14-cap colossus – who spent last season on loan at Southampton – could be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans this season, with the Blues believed to have rebuffed a £30m offer from West Ham United.
Solve Howe’s problem
That claim from Romano will spark renewed hope among those at St James’ Park that the 6 foot 3 menace can still join the northeast side, with the current squad seemingly crying out for a new centre-forward addition.
Manager Eddie Howe has recently admitted his frustration at the ongoing failure to bring in an attacking recruit with the new Premier League season just a matter of days away, with all three of the club’s summer arrivals having been defensive-minded.
It has proven something of a saga trying to recruit a new forward in the window thus far, having been forced to walk away from deals for both Moussa Diaby and Alexander Isak due to the hefty transfer fees mooted, while the Tynesiders also saw long-term target Hugo Ekitike join Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain.
That fact has left the former Bournemouth boss with the same forward line as last season, leaving the 44-year-old to rely on an injury-prone Callum Wilson and former Burnley man Chris Wood to lead the line – the latter man netting just twice following his £25m arrival from Turf Moor in January.
Providing additional depth in the form of Broja would certainly be a welcome boost for the new season, with the youngster having blossomed during his temporary stint at St Mary’s last term, netting nine goals in all competitions for the Saints.
The £19.8m-rated ace – who scored 11 goals on loan at Vitesse Arnhem the year prior – impressed many with his mature displays in leading the line for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, terrorising defenders with his sheer power and speed.
The departure of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan has opened the door for increased game time back in west London for the £8.5k-per-week starlet – where he has made just one senior outing thus far – although he could well take on a far more prominent role were he to make the switch to Newcastle this summer.
Should he do so, he could well prove to be the solution that Howe has been quite literally crying out for.
