Former Aston Villa and England striker Darren Bent have urged Thomas Tuchel to give Chelsea Loanee Armando Broja a chance this season at Chelsea.
The 20-year-old spend last season on loan at Southampton, He scored 9 goals in 32 Premier League appearances last season. Armando Broja is currently the only striker in the Chelsea squad after their record signing Remulo Lukaku has been sent on a season-long loan to Inter Milan following a poor season with Chelsea.
There are rumors that West Ham has submitted a £30 million bid for The Albanian International. However, Thomas Tuchel has shot down any rumors linking Armando Broja to Chelsea. The Chelsea manager told reporters saying: “I don’t expect him to leave.
“I’m aware of the offers and aware of the interest. We will make a decision together, the owner and me, and the player. When he arrived it was clear he is trying to impress and become a Chelsea player.
“After his Southampton loan, it’s clear he wants to take the next step. Unfortunately, he got injured and there is now a lot of interest in him. Let’s see how that goes. He has a contract here.
“We have a lot of options but not the type of Armando. Last season with him and Conor Gallagher we always have to weigh up what’s good for them and the club. Is there a prospect of him getting minutes here.
“He has already played in the Premier League. With Armando we have to look at the situation very carefully and individually and decide do we have the minutes we can offer so he can grow here or give him another loan to give him match minutes.”
Armando Broja did not feature in Chelsea’s pre-season friendlies because he has a hamstring injury. From all indications, it seems Chelsea will want to keep Armando Broja in the team for next season.
What did Darren Bent say?
In an interview with talk sports, The former Aston Villa and England international said: “Why have they not brought Broja back?
“He’s a perfect center-forward. It looks like they are going to let him go. Give him a go.
“If they create chances for him, he will score goals. He showed that at Southampton.”
Co-panelist Darren Ambrose has also urged Thomas Tuchel to start Armando Broja ahead of kai Havertz.
The former Newcastle midfielder added: “I think he should be their No.9. At No.9, I’d play him ahead of Havertz.”
Meanwhile, Glen Johnson had also urged Chelsea to make Armando Broja replace Romelu Lukaku.
The former Liverpool and England defender said via GGRecon: “If it was up to me, then I’d give Armando Broja a chance rather than spending £80m on a replacement.
“I’d rather get it wrong with a player that I’ve already got, rather than get it wrong by spending £80m. Broja is technically good in front of goal but I don’t know how good he is yet.
“He did score some fantastic goals for Southampton but, let’s face it, Southampton isn’t Chelsea. He’s going to get more goal-scoring opportunities at Chelsea and he’s technically good enough to score more next season.”