MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal are ready to move for in-form striker Armando Broja this summer.
After missing out to Juventus in the race to sign Serbian sensation Dusan Vlahovic last month, signing a new No9 remains a priority for the Gunners.
Football London suggest that 20-year-old Broja, who is excelling with Southampton this season on loan from Chelsea, is one name under consideration.
With eight goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Saints, the Albania international has made an instant impact at the top level.
He gained yet more plaudits after tormenting Manchester United’s backline in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to hold him in extremely high regard.
But wether the Blues would be willing to strike a deal with their London rivals remains to be seen.
Arsenal are not the only side taking a keen interest as Southampton are also said to be exploring the possibility of making his loan switch permanent.
Having captured right-back Tino Livramento from Stamford Bridge last summer, Saints enjoy a good relationship with the Blues and are said to be optimistic about their chances.
But any deal would be likely to force them to trump their previous club record fee, which saw Danny Ings arrive at St Mary’s from Liverpool for £20million in 2019.
Before a bidding war can commence, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel must first decide whether Broja has a future in West London.
The forward is a childhood Blues fan and would dearly love to break into the first-team picture at Stamford Bridge.
Asked about Broja earlier this month, the German refused to be drawn on what the future holds.
Tuchel, 48, said: “He’s our player and he’s doing good. Bbut at the same time it’s only half a season, so he needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton.
“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.”
In other news
Chelsea are still keen to bring in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after failing in their pursuit of the Frenchman last summer.
The Telegraph say Kounde, 23, tops their wish list of new additions, along with West Ham’s Declan Rice and Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Spanish outlet Fichajes believe Arsenal and Newcastle are taking an interest in AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Portuguese international Leao, 22, has 10 goals in all competitions for the Italian side this season and has been one of Serie A’s star performers.
Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City chiefs to tie Raheem Sterling down to a new deal with less than 18 months left to run on the England forward’s current agreement.
Sterling, 27, has previously stated he is open to a move abroad but the Guardian claim Guardiola still values him as a key player at the Etihad.
