Tuchel wants Broja to stay amid transfer rumours

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is keen on keeping Armando Broja at the club while hinting that could join the Blues’ first squad this season.

Broja, 20, became a centre of attraction after impressing on loan during his time at Southampton last season, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances across all tournaments.

The reports have linked West Ham United to be leading the race for Broja’s signature, with one report claiming they are close to agreeing on a deal with Chelsea to sign him on loan with an option to buy permanently.

Others are Everton, Napoli, Newcastle United and Southampton.

Speaking to reporters, via Sky Sports News, on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, Tuchel said: “I don’t expect [Broja] 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.”

Tuchel added: “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.”