Armando Broja is set to return home to England from Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States of America with West Ham hoping to finalise a loan deal.
The Albanian international has been out in America with Thomas Tuchel's side as the Blues continue their pre-season preparations, with Broja joining up with the squad after his loan spell with Southampton last season, where he scored nine times in all competitions, including six goals in the Premier League.
But there has been plenty of speculation over his future, with West Ham, Everton and Newcastle United among the clubs linked with a move to sign him this summer, along with reported interest from Italian side Napoli. It is understood that Broja's representatives have held talks with Chelsea over their plans for him, with the 20-year-old under contract with the Blues until 2026 having signed a new long-term deal last summer, before joining Saints on loan.
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And now, Broja is set to leave Chelsea's pre-season tour to return to England with West Ham looking to complete a loan move to sign him. football.london understands that the Albanian will fly home tonight to sort out his future, with Chelsea reluctant to sell him on a permanent basis, but open to letting him depart on loan once more.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's pre-season clash against Club America, Tuchel told reporters: "Armando [Broja] is our player first of all and we have, at the moment, no interest in selling him. He is here to make an impression after he was on loan in Southampton. That’s his situation from where we look up front. It’s good if there’s interest as it shows us there’s talent and potential. It shows us that he is in the position to impress and become a Chelsea player."
As such, the Hammers may have to accept a loan deal, despite their preference being a permanent £30million move for the striker, who impressed David Moyes when Southampton faced West Ham last season, scoring against the east London side in the FA Cup fifth round tie at St Mary's as Saints ran out 3-1 winners.
Broja is understood to be Moyes' top target as he looks to strengthen his attacking options at West Ham, to provide support and competition for Michail Antonio up front with the Hammers once again set to play in European football next season after qualifying for the Europa Conference League.
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