According to Football London, Southampton are in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for young striker Armando Broja. The 19-year old had a fruitful pre-season for Chelsea on the back of a successful loan spell with Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie.
Southampton Looking to Loan Armando Broja
Ings Replacement Needed
Southampton are in need of attacking reinforcements after the sale of Danny Ings to Aston Villa. The surprise transfer was completed last week for £25 million pounds, and leaves the club short of striking options. Ings scored 40 goals across three seasons for Southampton. Initially, he joined on loan before signing permanently in 2019. The England international was left out of the squad for Euro 2020. He is one of the most prolific strikers outside the traditional top six of the Premier League.
Ings’ transfer to Villa was a surprise. Che Adams isn’t nearly as prolific, while Michael Obafemi is injury-prone. Southampton’s search for a striker has brought them on the doorsteps of Chelsea. They already signed academy defenders Dynel Simeu and Valentino Livramento from the club. Now, they want Broja on loan.
Rising Star in London
Armando Broja has had an unusual path. He did not have a professional contract weaved into his scholarship going into 2019/20, but Frank Lampard handed him his senior debut in the Premier League against Everton after good performances with the development squad. He joined Vitesse on loan for 2020/21, following in the footsteps of many Chelsea players, including current first-team star Mason Mount. Broja scored 11 goals and provided three assists last season, impressing with his pace and finishing.
His pre-season form has attracted attention. He scored and assisted against Peterborough, and equalised against Bournemouth in a friendly. He also scored in an intra-squad friendly. The opportunity at Southampton is a big one for Broja. He will have a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
The Albanian international signed a new contract this summer, and he will have big boots to fill if his move to Southampton is completed.
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