Chelsea at risk of losing 'clinical' striker to West Ham
Robin Bairner
- 22 Nov 2023 06:47 GMT
- 3 min read
Chelsea face a battle to retain the services of striker Armando Broja during the January transfer window, with West Ham taking an interest in the forward.
The Hammers’ need for a striker has increased following an injury to Michail Antonio during the international break, with David Moyes’ side fearful that the Jamaica forward could face an extended period of time on the sidelines after playing for his country.
FootballTransfers’ understands that Antonio’s place at the club had been under threat in January due to interest from the Saudi Pro League, and with that in mind, it would be logical for them to have already lined up a replacement.
TeamTalk believe they are studying a move for Broja, with West Ham facing something of a dearth of attacking talent at present.
It is reported that Chelsea would like in the region of €35 million (£30m) for the striker, who is making his way back to full fitness after a long period on the sidelines.
Chelsea have had attacking issues themselves, with questions cast over the quality of Nicolas Jackson in attack, so it would come as something of a surprise if they were to allow Broja to leave.
Broja's transfer valuation over time
Broja can thrive in the Premier League - Shearer
The 22-year-old was previously hailed as “clinical” in front of goal by Alan Shearer – exactly the type of player that many critics believe they have been missing in the early weeks of this campaign, despite a clear improvement in their goal return on last term.
“Let me tell you, this lad is clinical,” Shearer told Premier League Productions in 2022 while the player was on loan at Southampton.
“As a striker it’s all about taking chances and scoring goals, so stats like this tell me he can thrive in the Premier League.
“Broja is a young striker with an eye for goal and has a bright future in the Premier League.”
Broja, meanwhile, has an expected transfer value of €21.2m based on FootballTransfers’ Player Valuation Model, but before his injury he had peaked at €41.7m, suggesting Chelsea’s asking price to West Ham is not unreasonable.
