Chelsea set for Armando Broja bidding war as star not ruling out exit

Posted Wednesday, February 16, 2022 by Express.co.uk

ARMANDO BROJA has impressed during his loan spell at Southampton

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have signalled an interest in Southampton striker Armando Broja. The Albanian international is enjoying a very exciting and promising breakout season, having been sent on loan to Ralph Hasenhutl’s side at the start of the campaign from Chelsea.

Broja has netted six Premier League goals and contributed one assist in 20 Premier League appearances for the Saints.

Hasenhuttl has already said that he would love Broja to remain at the St Mary’s stadium next season, while Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has already said it is too early to talk about the 20-year-old's chances next season.

Except from a season long loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, Broja’s venture on the South Coast is his first real taste of regular senior football.

And he could soon be experiencing life at the very top of the beautiful game, as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are believed to be monitoring his progression.

Chelsea set for Armando Broja bidding war as star not ruling out exit
Armando Broja could be a man in demand in the summer (Image: GETTY)

Express Sport understands Bayern and Dortmund are both monitoring the progress of the precocious forward.

Bayern seem to be preparing for life without Robert Lewandowski, after the legendary Pole announced a desire for a new challenge next season.

Meanwhile, Dortmund will likely need to find a new centre-forward in the summer, as current hitman Erling Haaland looks almost certain to depart the Signal Iduna Park.

Southampton are believed to be desperate in keeping the exciting forward, and are also purported to have been in talks with Chelsea about a permanent deal since January.

However, competition for Broja’s signature will likely be vast, as Arsenal are also believed to hold an interest in him.

The Gunners are desperate for a new centre-forward as they are set to lose Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette on free transfers at the end of the season.

Moreover, Chelsea may also be looking to hold onto the striker for the foreseeable future.

The Champions League holders handed Broja a new five-year-contract before sending him on loan to Southampton at the start of the season.

Chelsea set for Armando Broja bidding war as star not ruling out exit
Tuchel has already said that he is paying firm attention to Broja's development (Image: GETTY)

And Tuchel has already stated that he and his staff are keeping a firm eye on Broja’s progress at Southampton.

"He’s our player and he’s doing good, 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,” Tuchel said in January.

"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.

"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.”