Frank Lampard has been officially announced as the new manager at Everton and according to journalist Dean Jones, the new Toffees boss is planning to raid the Chelsea squad in the summer.
Jones is claiming that Lampard is interested in signing striker Armando Broja who is currently on loan at Southampton. He’s impressed during his stint at St Mary’s this season and according to Jones if Chelsea are open to selling the 20-year-old then Lampard will make a move for him.
Speaking to GMS, the football journalist said: “Broja, there’s no way Lampard doesn’t come into that conversation straight away. He knows him, think he gave him his debut. If he was genuinely available, Lampard would look in his direction.”
Will Chelsea allow Armando Broja to leave?
Armando Broja has played in 21 games this season for the Saints and he’s netted seven goals across all competitions.
Thomas Tuchel has several world-class strikers at his disposal right now so we don’t think the Chelsea manager will have any issues in cashing in on the 20-year-old.
Broja signed a new long-term deal at Chelsea before joining Southampton so the Blues will be able to quote a high transfer fee for him if Everton come calling.
FIFA’s new loan rules(limited number of players can be loaned in or out) will also come into effect meaning clubs like Chelsea will no longer be able to hoard players so a lot of the unwanted squad members will be sold permanently in the summer.
Chelsea's top PL goalscorer: Mason Mount
Palace's top PL goalscorer: Conor Gallagher
Southampton's top PL goalscorer: Armando BrojaStraight Outta Cobham 👊 pic.twitter.com/bY9H7vIxEr
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 12, 2022
Everton and Southampton to battle it out for the striker?
The Toffees though are not going to find it easy to sign the forward since Southampton are also keen to hold onto him permanently.
As per Fabrizio Romano the Saints are preparing a £25m bid to sign him permanently and as per other sources, some other clubs are also keeping tabs on him.
Ralph Hasenhuttl seems to be very impressed with Armando Broja so Southampton are surely going to try and sign him permanently in the summer but Everton will be banking on the Lampard factor to edge ahead.
Frank Lampard is surely going to attract several big-name players at the club and there’s a big chance that someone like Broja might snub the Saints to be able to work and improve under the guidance of a Chelsea legend.
