EXCLUSIVE: West Ham target Chelsea striker Broja
Steve Kay
- Updated: 12 Dec 2023 07:54 GMT
- 3 min read
Exclusive
Chelsea striker Armando Broja is a January transfer target for West Ham United, FootballTransfers can reveal.
The 22-year-old Albania international is a player wanted by several Premier League clubs, with West Ham leading the way.
Broja, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €20.5 million, has recently made his return to action after months out following a cruciate ligament tear and has scored one goal in eight Premier League appearances for the Blues this season.
Despite Chelsea’s goal scoring problems, they are likely to dip back into the transfer market in January rather than lean on their academy graduate, who has so far had to be content with a backup role to summer arrival Nicolas Jackson.
After scoring nine goals during a loan spell with Southampton during the 2021/22 campaign, his stock remains high among Premier League clubs and West Ham are ready to make a January move for the forward.
West Ham want goals
David Moyes’ side are seeking more firepower to add to their ranks. West Ham have scored only 26 times in 16 matches in the league this season, and only Manchester United have a lower total among clubs presently in the top half of the standings.
On top of this, there is uncertainty over the future of Michail Antonio, who was left unhappy that an offer from the Saudi Pro League was rejected during the summer. He has since sustained an injury on international duty with Jamaica, while his overall level this season has been disappointing, with the 33-year-old netting just two goals across all competitions.
West Ham had previously tried to recruit a centre-forward in the summer, with Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun having been earmarked as their leading candidate. Mohamed Kudus was ultimately signed from Ajax, but the Ghana star has typically been used in a wider role, with Moyes now seeking options to bolster his options through the middle.
Broja is a player that West Ham admire, but the competition for the Chelsea striker is likely to be fierce come January.
