Mauricio Pochettino makes Armando Broja January transfer call as Chelsea star set for new role
Mauricio Pochettino makes Armando Broja January transfer call as Chelsea star set for new role
Latest Chelsea transfer news with a firm decision being made by Mauricio Pochettino on the future of Armando Broja amid Premier League interest
Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino have made their first major decision ahead of the January transfer decision. football.london understands that the Blues are not expected to sell many players in the winter trading period with Cobham graduate Armando Broja one player who may depart amid links to West Ham and Fulham.
The Albania international has struggled to obtain regular minutes since his return from a long-term knee injury, although he has provided crucial moments in games against Fulham and Manchester City with a setback in his recovery suffered in between.
With the return of Christopher Nkunku imminent and plans to sign a striker in January on the agenda, Broja could find it even more difficult to get game time. Despite this, Evening Standard are reporting that the Blues are prepared to snub an approach from Fulham for Broja if one arrives.
The report adds that from Broja’s perspective, he has no desire to leave with a more prominent role set to be given to him by Pochettino. The 22-year-old, who signed a new six-year contract last year, has featured for just 143 league minutes this season with one goal and one assist to his name.
In an interview with The Secret Scout, Broja discussed his limited opportunities this season with the striker explaining why he is far from disappointed about his lack of minutes. “A lot of players would get frustrated with a lack of minutes, but for me, I know I’ve come back from a big injury,” he admitted. “I need to show myself and prove myself again to the manager, staff, club and the fans. I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in.”
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Keeping Broja will also likely be important with regard to Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. With AFCON coming in January, Jackson will be absent for a number of games which could see Broja given more chances in the starting XI.
Nkunku will likely be a regular starter upon his injury return but Pochettino is expected to take minimal risks which will involve the France international being re-integrated slowly. Therefore, having Broja available will be important as Nkunku may take some time to get up to speed.
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