Reports out of Italy have suggested that Chelsea striker Armando Broja is on the radar of last season’s Serie A winners.
The Albania international has become part of the Blues’ first-team squad this season after impressing on loan at Southampton last term.
He was labelled ‘sensational’ by former Saints star Francis Benali for his performances on the south coast, having scored nine goals during his time at St. Mary’s.
The 21-year-old’s output caught the eye of West Ham, Everton and Newcastle. However, Broja ended up putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge until 2028, but even that hasn’t been enough to fend off suitors from elsewhere.
Milan eyeing Broja move
According to Tuttosport (via Calciomercato), AC Milan will be looking at bringing in a new striker next summer, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic likely to retire.
The source suggests that the Rossoneri will target a player who matches the profile of a ‘young centre-forward’ with experience at a high level at a price in line with the €31m (£27m) that they spent on Charles De Ketelaere in the recent transfer window.
Noah Okafor of RB Salzburg, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus have all been mentioned, but the report claims that the Champions League club also have ‘eyes’ on Broja.
Chelsea breakthrough coming?
Broja has made six substitute appearances so far this season in west London, failing to break into the starting line-up as of yet.
However, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, the Albanian ace is catching Graham Potter’s eye in training and the 6 foot 4 powerhouse – who ranks in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months – could be in line for a starting berth sooner rather than later.
A regular role in the team will likely encourage the €50m-rated (£43m) marksman to stay at the club, but it remains to be seen whether or not Milan come forth with a bid which could tempt the Chelsea starlet to depart west London.
