Armando Broja has given Thomas Tuchel a decision to make in the upcoming transfer window, with clubs reportedly queuing up for the 20-year-old's signature this summer. football.london understand that Arsenal and West Ham are among those that hold an interest in the Cobham graduate.
He's been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge following an impressive debut season in the Premier League. Broja has featured 38 times for the Saints, directly contributing to 10 goals.
The Albania international, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2026, has helped steer Ralph Hasenhuttl's side to safety from relegation. And, having made a good impression at St Mary, the Southampton boss has already confessed his desire to retain the striker's services next season.
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When asked about his side's chances of securing the player in question permanently in the summer, the Austrian manager said: "Yes, sure. He likes it here, he loves it here. It would be great if he was our player.
"He wants to be with us, I think. You can feel this at every moment. The fans love him also, this is good."
Then, speaking ahead of Southampton’s game against Crystal Palace last month, Hasenhuttl urged Broja to stay on the south coast for a further season. The Saints boss said: "At this moment it is not easy to negotiate with Chelsea. There is no question, and it is not surprising that I want him to stay here another year. I know this would be good for him.
"He is very important [for Southampton], yes absolutely. He gets better and better, and he likes it here with us."
But, despite Hasenhuttl's best efforts to hold onto the Chelsea striker, Broja has posted a farewell message on his Instagram to thank Southampton for their support this season throughout his loan spell. It read: "I just want to start of by saying what a great season for me and my family personally.
"A season full of ups and downs but no matter what I had family and amazing people to help me get through it. I also want to say a massive thank you to Southampton and the amazing fans for allowing me and having the belief in me to showcase what I can do.
"I appreciate all the support and love you showed me and the team. Finally I want to say thank you so much to the players you guys taught me so much this year.
"I loved every minute with you lads it was honestly something special to me. You have not only become brothers to me but also family. I will miss you guys!"
In March, Tuttomercatoweb reported that Chelsea value Broja at around €70million (£57.8million). And, apparently, that's higher than they currently value Romelu Lukaku, who has endured a difficult start to his second stint at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku's price tag is said to have depreciated as far as €45million to €50million (£37.2million to £41.3million). That means that the Blues could be willing to let Broja leave, rather than take a big loss by allowing the Belgian to leave at the end of the season.
