Ipswich Town are reportedly in talks with Chelsea about signing striker Armando Broja.
After emerging from Stamford Bridge’s academy system, the 22-year-old has battled for game time, scoring only two goals in 11 starts and 27 substitute appearances. An ACL knee injury will put his career on pause in 2023.
Broja, a 23-cap Albania international who recently played at Euro 2024, spent the second half of last season on loan with Fulham, making only eight substitute appearances. It was his third temporary move away, after stints at Vitesse and Southampton.
This summer, the front man, who is contracted to Chelsea until 2028, has been linked with AC Milan, Bologna, VfB Stuttgart, Wolves, and Everton.
With the West London club apparently valuing him at £30 million, Ipswich are likely to attempt to sign him on loan first.
Town are now short on striker alternatives after George Hirst sustained a preseason knee injury that will keep him out for eight weeks.
Liam Delap, a £15 million signing from Manchester City, is expected to lead the charge in Saturday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool at Portman Road.
He is now supported by a semi-fit Ali Al-Hamadi, who has recently recovered from adductor surgery, and Freddie Ladapo, who spent last season on loan at League One club Charlton.
Town are close to signing England international Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City, and they are still in talks with Napoli about loaning Swedish international midfielder Jens Cajuste.
Premier League clubs can have a maximum of two domestic loans at any time.