Everton are investigating a loan deal to sign Armando Broja from Chelsea, according to David Ornstein. The package would include a season-long loan with an option to buy after negotiations between Ipswich Town and Chelsea collapsed.
Everton Considering Shock Move for Chelsea’s Armando Broja
Broja Not Part of Chelsea’s Plans
Everton have reportedly submitted a deal sheet to sign Broja on loan, with an option to buy for £30 million. The news comes in during the dying hours of Deadline Day after Ipswich pulled out of the transfer.
Crucially, the Toffees submitted the deal sheet before the 11 PM deadline and now must complete the move by 1 AM BST. Broja’s move to Ipswich collapsed as the Albanian is set to be out until mid-October due to a foot injury.
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The striker is contracted by Chelsea until 2028 but is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans. Chelsea have been eager to offload players throughout the transfer window as their squad becomes increasingly bloated.
He has struggled to break into the Chelsea team and spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham. However, he failed to make an impact as he went goalless in his eight appearances for the Cottagers.
How Will Broja Fit in at Everton?
Everton are in desperate need of signings following a poor start to the season. They are currently bottom of the table and are yet to score, so will hope that Broja can inject some quality to avoid a relegation battle.
Broja will look to rival Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a place in the starting lineup but will need to wait until he returns from injury. However, Calvert-Lewin was linked with a move away this summer, so Broja could represent a long-term solution.
Sean Dyche will be eager to add depth to Everton’s attack, especially given the aforementioned’s injury history and indifferent form. The Englishman has scored just 14 league goals in the past three seasons.
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The Toffees especially struggled for goals last season. They scored just 41 in the league, the second-fewest, and desperately need attacking reinforcements. However, Broja himself hardly boasts a goalscoring pedigree.
Not only has he struggled to score goals during loan spells at Southampton and Fulham, he has scored just twice in a Chelsea shirt in 26 appearances. Furthermore, he has had injury issues, including an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022.
Whilst a move is expected to go through, Broja represents a gamble from Everton. Whilst the Albanian has shown potential, his current injury status means that he will not have an impact for the Toffees for a while.
