David Moyes resets West Ham radar as talks ‘ongoing’ for £30m Chelsea star Armando Broja

Armando Broja Southampton 2022 TEAMtalk1 Credit: PA Images

West Ham United are hoping to sign Chelsea forward Armando Broja in the summer window and have opened negotiations, according to a transfer expert.

The Hammers kicked off their recruitment on Monday with the capture of defender Nayef Aguerd from French club Rennes. And it seems as though manager David Moyes also has his eyes on a player who operates at the other end of the pitch. Broja has been with Chelsea since 2009, spending 11 years in the youth setup before penning a two-year professional deal in February 2020.

But the Albania international has played just four minutes of first-team football for the Blues. A season-long loan move to Dutch club Vitesse followed in August 2020.

And he was loaned to Southampton for the 2021-2022 campaign. The 20-year-old bagged 11 goals while playing for the Eredivisie side and nine for Saints last term.

A number of clubs have been monitoring the situation, with Italian outfit Napoli thought to hold an interest. But closer to home, Newcastle and West Ham have also been mentioned in connection with the Slough-born ace.

Southampton were keen to retain his services but his price tag may be an obstacle. TuttoMercatoWeb suggested back in March that Chelsea value Broja at £57.8m.

That price seems excessive for a player who has yet to really prove himself at the top level but has bags of potential. Gianluca Di Marzio has now given an update on the situation on his official website.

The Italian journalist said: “Important news for West Ham’s transfer market, after the official arrival of Nayef Aguerd from Stade Rennais.

Rennes star Nayef Aguerd Credit: PA Images

“Hammers have now put in their radar Armando Broja , Chelsea’s striker who last season played for Southampton on loan. Negotiation ongoing: he is the first target for West Ham as new striker.”

Moyes has been on the hunt for a new striker for 18 months after selling Sebastien Haller to Ajax. Many players have been linked with the London Stadium.

However, Michail Antonio continued to lead the line last term, bagging 10 top-flight goals. The Jamaica international was well supported by Jarrod Bowen who found the net on 12 occasions in the league.

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David Moyes after a West Ham win Credit: PA Images

But the East End outfit need help up front and look set to turn to their capital rivals. However, according to Di Marzio, a deal for the ex-Tottenham youth star is not imminent.

“Agreement is not reached or close to happen(ing), but the club is working on Broja’s name for a permanent deal,” he added. “The fee could be around 25/30 million pounds.”

READ MORE: Moyes reveals what has already ‘really impressed’ him about Nayef Aguerd after West Ham move confirmed

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