Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images
Wolves are considering a move for Armando Broja, whose future is likely to hinge on whether Chelsea sign a striker this month.
Broja will find himself with a decision to make if Mauricio Pochettino brings in another forward. The 22-year-old’s chances of regular football will be lower if the competition for places increases.
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Chelsea are tracking Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, regard Brighton’s Evan Ferguson as a long-term target and have been linked with Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán. A move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney is unlikely and interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres has cooled.
It remains to be seen whether they look to the Saudi Pro League and target Karim Benzema or Roberto Firmino as short-term options. Chelsea have lacked ruthlessness and Christopher Nkunku’s hip injury has left Pochettino short of options up front with Nicolas Jackson representing Senegal at the African Cup of Nations.
Broja led the line during Chelsea’s win over Fulham last weekend but had a frustrating game and was substituted in the 66th minute. He has been unable to build momentum since returning from a serious knee injury this season. After scoring the opener in Chelsea’s win over Preston in the FA Cup this month, he was on the bench for the 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final last week.
The situation has caught the attention of several clubs. West Ham have long been admirers of Broja, whose contract expires in 2028, and Wolves have added him to their shortlist. Gary O’Neil, the Wolves manager, wants to sign a striker and has looked at a loan deal for West Ham’s Danny Ings. Although Broja has scored twice in 17 appearances this season, his potential was clear when he impressed during a loan spell at Southampton in the 2021-22 campaign.
The interest from Wolves is at an exploratory stage and it is unlikely they would be able to pursue a permanent deal for Broja. Their initial preference would be a loan with an option to buy in the summer. Several clubs are monitoring his situation and he has been targeted by Napoli and Milan in the past.
Broja is a product of Chelsea’s academy. Selling him would boost their financial fair play position. Money received for academy players goes down as pure profit in FFP terms.
