Aston Villa 'like' Chelsea outcast as £35m price-tag tipped

Aston Villa are one of four Premier League sides thought to be eyeing a potential move for Armando Broja amid reports that the striker could leave Chelsea this month.

Broja is one of several potential exits at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea looking to bring in some funds after a period of massive expenditure. Like Connor Gallagher, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, his status as an academy graduate means any sale would bank pure profit and so it is those players who are vulnerable.

Fulham have been widely linked with a move for the 22-year-old with Marco Silva's side in need of a striker, although they only want a loan. But journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that Villa are also admirers.

Links to Villa are particularly interesting, given Chelsea are thought to be keen on Jhon Duran. The 20-year-old only arrived at Villa Park last summer but all of his 14 Premier League appearances have been off the bench, with Ollie Watkins an ever-present.

There have been no offers for Duran as of yet but any exit would need replacing. Reports have suggested Chelsea could demand £50m for Broja but Jacobs insists offers around £35m would bring Stamford Bridge officials to the table. They want the striker's exit to be permanent but could also be open to a loan with an obligation to buy.

Midlands rivals Wolves are also thought to be interested in the Albanian international but both sides believe the £35m fee is too high. West Ham are also named in the report, having seen a £33m bid rejected in the summer of 2022.

Broja has been unable to find regular football or form at Chelsea, scoring just three goals in 38 appearances over a three-season period. But the striker impressed on loan at Southampton during the 2021-22 campaign, netting nine times in 38 games across all competitions. His contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2028.