Premier League boss breaks silence on Newcastle United transfer target’s future

Armando Broja is among the names under consideration at Newcastle United this summer.
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Thomas Tuchel expects Armando Broja to remain at Chelsea this summer - but admits that could still change.

The Albanian international has attracted interest from Newcastle United, Everton and West Ham United after a successful loan spell with Southampton last season.

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Broja has returned to Stamford Bridge desperate to impress Tuchel in pre-season but a recent ankle injury has stopped him in his tracks - for the time being.

That forced the 20-year-old to withdraw from the Blues’ camp in the US over the weekend, with reports claiming he was signing for West Ham believed to be wide of the mark.

The Hammers, who are based in London and can offer European football, are leading the chase but according to Tuchel, he could stay put.

Thomas Tuchel on Armando Broja’s future

“I don’t expect Armando to leave,” Tuchel said. “We are aware of offers and interest, which tell us there is a lot of potential.

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“We will take this decision together with me, the owners and also the player.

“When he arrived (in the US), it was clear he was trying to impress to try and become a Chelsea player as soon as possible after his loan at Southampton.

“The situation was clear - to make the next step and show his improvement and make an impression but unfortunately, he injured himself.”

Newcastle reportedly prefer a loan deal for Broja. West Ham and Everton, however are to lanch bids to sign him permanently.

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“There is a lot of noise going on because there are offers and interest in him. Let’s see how this goes,” admits Tuchel.

“For Armando and the players who have already played in the Premier League, we have to look at the situation very carefully and decide if we have minutes to offer or if it’s better to loan him again.

“I’m pretty calm about it because we know the situation and we have a contract.”

Eddie Howe is exploring a number of attacking options after missing out on Hugo Ekitike to Paris-Saint Germain.