Fulham have identified Chelsea striker Armando Broja as their primary target as we approach the closing stages of the January transfer window.
The Telegraph reports that the Cottagers are hoping to strike an agreement with their London neighbours, who will not stand in the way of the striker’s potential exit.
Fulham manager Marco Silva is desperate to bolster his attacking options this month despite the resurgence of Raul Jimenez, although the Mexican is already on the wrong side of 30.
Broja has popped up on Silva’s radar and is seen as the ideal replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who departed the club to join Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal in the summer.
The problem for Fulham is that Chelsea value Broja at £50 million, which is considered a steep price for the Cottagers, but they harbour hopes of finalising a deal nonetheless.
Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for their academy graduate whose departure will represent pure profit for the Blues in their quest to generate funds for another summer splurge.
The Blues are also on the market for a new striker but are willing to wait until the summer before sanctioning a marquee addition.
Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen is the club’s primary target, and Broja’s departure will help raise funds to trigger the Nigerian’s €120m release clause.
Osimhen is seen as the final piece of Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who have struggled with chance conversion this season and are willing to sacrifice one of their own to get a deal over the line.
Broja has struggled for form and consistency since recovering from his anterior crucial ligament injury (ACL), failing to provide the spark desperately needed by the Blues in the final third.
The 22-year-old has returned a meagre two goals in 19 games across all competitions, but his struggles have done little to deter potential suitors across the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United have also been credited with an interest in Broja, but Fulham are actively pushing to get a deal done before Thursday’s deadline.
