Chelsea have reportedly decided to retain the services of Armando Broja for the 2023-24 campaign.
The Blues have enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer market, acquiring a number of players to replace a wide array of squad members who have departed Stamford Bridge.
However, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital remain very much active ahead of the close of business at the end of the month, with the focus firmly on getting a deal over the line for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Further additions are expected to follow in due course with each of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Crystal Palace playmaker Michael Olise being linked with a switch to West London.
Speculation has also persisted regarding the potential addition of a centre forward to provide extra competition for summer arrival Nicolas Jackson.
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With the number nine shirt having been left vacant and Christopher Nkunku expected to be sidelined until November, talk is likely to continue regarding a possible addition to the club's attacking ranks.
Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, the current plan is to have Broja provide competition for Jackson this season.
The Albania international is currently going through the final stages of his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury sustained in December.
Although the academy graduate did not feature for the senior side during pre-season, he has continued to feature at the club's training ground in a bid to get back up to speed.
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As it stands, there is no set date for the 21-year-old's return to the first-team squad, but Mauricio Pochettino is said to be in favour of having him as an option.
While Broja has only contributed one goal and one assist in 19 outings for Chelsea, the majority of his appearances have come from the substitutes' bench.
Despite his lack of game time, the report claims that AC Milan remain interested in signing Broja this summer, initially on loan with an option to buy.
Chelsea allegedly intend to reject that proposal and any others that are made over the coming weeks, with the hope being that Broja can begin to show the qualities that he displayed on loan at Southampton during 2021-22.
Darren Plant
