Chelsea can find their new star man up top and replacement for Romelu Lukaku in 20-year-old wonderkid Armando Broja, as posted by the Athletic. The Albanian striker has spent the last 12 months on loan at Southampton.
Ralph Hassenhuttl has made no secret of his intention to sign the forward permanently after a successful loan spell. However, Chelsea, rather smartly, committed the Albanian to a long-term deal just before his south coast adventure, meaning his signature would cost a pretty penny, especially with his potential.
Chelsea Already Have Their Romelu Lukaku Replacement in Armando Broja
Chelsea’s Academy Strikes Again
Chelsea have a wealth of talent in their academy system. Players such as Nathan Ake, Andreas Christensen, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Reece James, and Callum Hudson Odoi have all graduated from Cobham.
Chelsea’s ability to create such talent within their academy is remarkable. Many times when a youngster has been given a chance on the big stage for the Blues, the results have followed. Mount and Abraham shone brightest in Chelsea’s transfer ban season under club legend Frank Lampard. Trevoh Chalobah, who also emerged from their youth setup, had a breakthrough season this campaign, starting in three of Chelsea’s four cup finals.
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Armando Broja could be the latest graduate of this incredible system to achieve great success. The striker scored nine times for Southampton in all competitions last campaign and proved a handful for defenders. The 6’2″ striker is quick and strong and has an eye for goal. In many ways, he fits a similar profile to Romelu Lukaku whose return to Stamford Bridge proved a disaster. The Belgian is now close to a return to Inter Milan on loan.
The Curse of Chelsea Number 9 Shirt
For many years, fans have believed this shirt is cursed. Lots of great strikers have failed to live up to their potential in the Chelsea number nine shirt. Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres and now most recently Lukaku all fell short of the mark. Armando Broja has a chance to rewrite the script if given the opportunity.
Whether Broja can fit into Thomas Tuchel’s system is another issue. The German has preferred Kai Havertz as a front man, someone who can be intricate in possession but also clinical in front of goal. The Albanian must adapt his play from his season under Hassenhuttl to suit Tuchel’s style.
Chelsea have also been linked with Robert Lewandowski who is looking a move away from Bayern Munich this summer. The Albanian would come at less of a cost but greater risk than the Pole.
