Napoli chasing Chelsea striker Armando Broja

Napoli are interested in Chelsea striker Armando Broja after pushing for the youngster to be part of the deal for defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The 21-year-old is a man in demand with West Ham, Everton and Newcastle all interested in signing him following his impressive loan spell at Southampton last season.

Broja’s suitors have made their interest in signing him clear and discussions have been held between the Albanian frontman’s camp and new co-owner Todd Boehly.

Blues manager Thomas Tuchel is, however, keen to run the rule over Broja in pre-season before a call is made on what is best for the club and young striker.

It has now been reported that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a big fan of Broja and spoke to Chelsea about his status during the negotiations for the £34million (€40m) sale of Koulibaly, according to According to Il Mattino newspaper via Football Italia.

The same report suggests that the Serie A outfit are now looking at a potential loan move for Broja after failing to include him in the Koulibaly deal.

After the departure of Romelu Lukaku on loan to Inter Milan, the Blues have signed Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, but with their other forward options being Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic, Tuchel does not have a recognised centre-forward at his disposal.

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He may want to keep Broja around as a different option in attack, with a long season, competing on four fronts, to come.

The Albania international has made just one first-team appearance for Chelsea but is currently contracted to the club until 2026 having signed a new long-term deal last summer before heading out on loan to St Mary’s.

Broja scored six goals in the Premier League for the Saints and was a star performer in a side that narrowly managed to steer away from relegation.

He is currently away with the Blues on their pre-season tour in USA, and has featured as part of the training camp in LA this week.