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| Armando Broja of Southampton scores a goal which is later disallowed due to offside during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Southampton, England. |
Newcastle United have reportedly lodged a €40 million bid for Chelsea’s rising talent Armando Broja, who is currently impressing on-loan at Southampton.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Newcastle United have launched a €40 million bid for Armando Broja as they look to add even more firepower to their attacking contingent.
The Magpies have not had much success pursuing targets so far this month despite completing the acquisitions of England star Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Atletico Madrid and Burnley, respectively. Eddie Howe is still hoping to have at least two more defenders and another forward at his disposal to boost Newcastle’s Premier League survival bid.
With Wood already brought in to act as competition for the injury-prone Callum Wilson, Newcastle are scouring the market for an exciting, up-and-coming striker to complement their aged roster. They have been strongly linked with a move for French prodigy Hugo Ekitike. However, a better option emerging on their wishlist could be Chelsea’s Armando Broja, who has taken the Premier League by storm this season.
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| Armando Broja of Southampton gets away from Kyle Walker of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Southampton, England. |
After progressing through the youth ranks at Chelsea, Broja made his senior debut for the Blues during the 2019/20 campaign. The Albanian striker had a fruitful year-long loan spell at Dutch outfit Vitesse last season as he netted eleven times in 34 appearances across all competitions for the Eredivisie side.
The 20-year-old is currently plying his trade at Premier League club Southampton, who signed him on a straight season-long loan deal last summer. Broja has been a mainstay under Ralph Hasenhuttl this season and has been in fine form leading the line for the Saints, scoring seven goals in 21 appearances across all competitions.
Given that he is Southampton’s second top-scorer this term and is second only to James Ward-Prowse in the Premier League goals tally, it comes as no surprise that the Saints are eager on making Broja’s move to St. Mary’s permanent. To that end, Southampton have tabled a club-record offer of around €30 million-plus bonuses.
However, plenty of clubs across the top-flight have taken note of Broja’s standout performances. Among them, newly-minted Newcastle United are also looking to blow the competition out of the water in pursuit of the 20-year-old Chelsea loanee.
With Wilson out injured, Newcastle are left with Wood and Dwight Gayle as their only striking options, with the latter being largely unreliable in the top-flight. They can make do with some more goalscoring impetus, and Broja would be a sensational signing for the Magpies.
Indeed, the youngster has a keen eye for goal, but his dominating all-round play is what catches the attention. The Chelsea loanee has the pace, power, and finesse to cause opposition defenders all sorts of problems. At just 20 years old, Broja will not only be the one for future but can also make a huge impact in Newcastle’s survival hopes this season.
As it stands, Chelsea are said to have no plans to sell Broja this month and will rather consider their all options at the end of the season. However, the Blues may accept an exceptional offer. Whether Newcastle’s €40 million proposal proves tempting enough remains to be seen.
