Tuchel rules out Broja departure as West Ham dealt further blow following Lingard revelation

Jason Soutar
Thomas Tuchel before a match

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has said he does not expect Armando Broja to leave the club this summer amid interest from West Ham.

Broja spent last season on loan with Southampton, scoring six goals in 32 Premier League appearances.

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He has been linked with a £30million move to the London Stadium, with Football.London correspondent Adam Newson reporting on Monday that the player has flown back to the UK from Chelsea’s US pre-season tour to consider offers.

David Moyes is very eager to sign a new striker given his side’s lack of depth up front.

The Hammers have also been linked with Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca and are believed to be open to signing both players.

However, they have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Broja, with Blues boss Tuchel admitting that he does not expect the Albanian to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Tuchel reportedly told Sky Sports (quotes via the Daily Mail): “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 make 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.”

Tuchel spoke shortly before it was revealed that Nottingham Forest are now leading the race to sign Jesse Lingard, who is wanted by West Ham.

Everton, Leicester and Newcastle have also been linked with the England international, who is available following the expiry of his Manchester United contract.

Chelsea Armando Broja

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