Breaking: West Ham given green light to sign Chelsea striker

The Daily Mirror reports that West Ham United will be offered the option to sign Chelsea attacker Armando Broja this summer.

According to Nathan Ridley [24 May], Broja is one of six objectives for Hammers technical director Tim Steidten, who is working with new head coach Julen Lopetegui to rebuild the squad following the departure of David Moyes.

Recruitment is moving quickly at the London Stadium, with the club on the verge of signing Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo, while Lopetegui also wants to reunite with Wolves’ Max Kilman for up to £45 million [Guardian].

With Lucas Paqueta embroiled in an alleged betting scandal, Michail Antonio 34 and with a year left on his contract, Divin Mubama poised to go as a free agent, and the club willing to trade Danny Ings, attacking reinforcements are likely to be top priorities.

Talisman Jarrod Bowen is on Newcastle United’s radar [Telegraph], and losing the England player would be devastating.

Would Broja be a good fit for West Ham?

Broja has proven to be a persistent, mentally resilient young forward with an approachable demeanor, even if he is far from perfect.

The Albanian international played 21 Premier League games this season, 13 for Chelsea and eight on loan for Fulham. He only scored once, but he has recovered from horrendous injuries and is still only 22.

It remains to be seen whether Lopetegui and Steidten are unduly impressed by Broja, but a managerless Chelsea is trying to cut some areas of their squad and regards the forward as surplus to requirements.

If Broja joins West Ham this summer, he may get playing time while the club shapes their squad and fine-tunes their options, and could represent an asset with appreciating value if he stays fit. However, with the money expected to be invested into the squad, the Hammers may be looking for a more proven Premier League or European striker to hit the ground running.