Bitter rivals plan summer transfer raid for 20-year-old Chelsea starlet

Arsenal shortlist Chelsea striker Armando Broja amidst summer squad overhaul plans

According to Evening Standard, Arsenal have decided to add Chelsea striker Armando Broja to their transfer shortlist as they are planning for a squad overhaul next summer. The centre-forward is currently out on loan at Southampton, where he has excelled with flying colours so far.

Strikers are one of those areas where the Gunners have given priority to focus their attention at the end of this season. They are looking to bring in two centre-forwards and have identified Broja as an option. Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonathan David and Darwin Nunez are the other alternatives in their shortlist.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side have doubts that the Blues will entertain any approaches from their side due to the intense rivalry. They could focus their attention elsewhere despite their admiration for Broja. West Ham United are also keeping the 20-year-old on their radars as they look to back David Moyes in the future.

Why should we?

The North Londoners can try all they want, but there are no reasons for us to entertain any offers from them for the Albanian. They are our bitter rivals, plus we definitely do not want to assist them in their rebuilding phase at this moment. He has been sensational this season and has shown all the signs of a future superstar in the making.

The Blues loanee has nine goals and an assist to his name this season from 28 appearances across all competitions. He has done well for the Saints and seems ready to take a bigger jump next term. Who knows, maybe Thomas Tuchel could decide to use him moving forward, considering how our forwards have struggled to find the back of the net.

Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku have not been at their best and they have recently been leapfrogged by Kai Havertz in the Blues’ pecking order. Broja could certainly have a chance with us if spots can be freed up at the end of the current campaign. Even if we receive an irrefutable offer from Arteta’s side, we should try to keep hold of him.

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After all, we do not want to make a mistake by letting go of another top talent and especially to a direct rival. The situation with Tino Livramento, Tariq Lamptey and Tammy Abraham should be a warning to us in this case. Let’s hope that Arsenal’s fears would come true, and we refuse to entertain any offers from them.

We must also be wary of West Ham United, who are looking to build further under David Moyes going forward. Selling Broja to them may not be in our best interest, even if there is a need to raise the transfer budget. Time will tell what lies in store for the Albanian ace.