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Newly promoted Ipswich City have reportedly set their sights on Chelsea attacker Armando Broja. The 22-year-old was a part of the Blues' pre-season squad but has been left out after the return of striker Nicolas Jackson from injury.
Broja has scored just thrice and assisted once in 38 games across competitions for the Blues since debuting for the first team in the 2019-20 season, spending loan spells at Southampton and Fulham.
Despite being contracted to Stamford Bridge till 2028, Broja is seemingly surplus to requirements. As per journanlist Stuart Wilson (via Sports Mole), Ipswich have made an enquiry for Broja, who is also the subject of interest of Wolverhampton Wanderers, AC Milan, Bologna and Monaco.
The report says that The Tractor Boys are interested in a loan deal, but the Blues prefer a permanent departure for the player, who they reportedly value at £30 million.
Nizaar Kinsela of BBC (via Sports Mole) has reported that Broja is not 'rushing' to move to the newly promoted side. However, he's set to benefit with increased game time if he moves to Ipswich rather than fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, where he's seemingly down the pecking order of new boss Enzo Maresca.
What's next for Chelsea?
Chelsea kick off the new Enzo Maresca era in right earnest when they host four-time defending champions Manchester City on Sunday (August 18). The champions are coming off an FA Community Shield win over Manchester United last weekend.
Bernardo Silva's 89th-minute equaliser cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho's 82nd-minute opener for the Red Devils. In the ensuing shootout, the Cityzens recovered from 3-1 down to triumph 7-6, snapping a three-game losing run in the Community Shield.
Meanwhile, the Blues are coming off an underwhelming pre-season, winning just once in six games as they head into the new season under Maresca. The Italian has arrived this summer to succeed Mauricio Pochettino - who left at the end of last season - after guiding Leicester City back to the Premier League at the first time of asking by winning the Championship.
Maresca's side drew this fixture 4-4 against City at Stamford Bridge in November last year. The visitors led thrice before former City man Cole Palmer forced a share of the spoils with a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time of an eight-goal thriller.
The reverse fixture at the Etihad ended 1-1, with Rodri (83') cancelling out Raheem Sterling's first-half opener.
