Chelsea are set to have a say in whether Manchester United can beat Arsenal to Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window. The Blues' Premier League rivals have been heavily linked with the striker this season, but the west Londoners are poised to be a significant chess piece in a potential deal.
Napoli have identified Chelsea loanee Armando Broja as a replacement for Osimhen amid growing interest in the latter's services, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Cobham graduate has impressed on loan at Southampton this season, directly contributing towards six goals in 19 Premier League starts.
Broja has reportedly emerged as a target for the Italian giants following a 'secret meeting' between Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis and Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda on Wednesday to discuss 'an undeniable €100 million (£84.5m) bid from United. The report claims that the Nigeria international is tempted by a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season.
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There's a chance that Broja's form has earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad next season, with his quality making another worthwhile loan more difficult. The Blues boss reminded club's that the Albania international is a Chelsea player, though admitted that the club aren't thinking about his future yet.
"He’s our player and he’s doing good," Thomas Tuchel said. "But at the same time it’s only half a season, so he needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton."
“We have a reason why they are our players, they have quality and mentality and now they are out there on their own in different environments and clubs, and proving themselves," he added. "Armando’s getting better and better, he’s a very unique player with unique strengths in his game - he has speed, he’s robust and he’s a goalscorer.
“First of all, now is not the moment to discuss about the summer. It’s the moment for him to stay calm and keep on improving.”
Broja doesn't see his contract at Stamford Bridge expire until 2026, and the flurry of interest at his door step should be enough of a message to Chelsea. Nevertheless, the Blues hold a strong bargaining chip that could scupper United and Arsenal's dream transfer windows.
