22-year-old subject of Premier League interest – future set to be decided by Chelsea’s key January decision

Armando Broja has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this month, according to reports.

The 22-year-old is currently Chelsea’s only recognised senior centre-forward option for Mauricio Pochettino. Nicolas Jackson is away at the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, while Christopher Nkunku is recovering from a hip problem and hopes to return to training this week.

Broja has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season under Pochettino, who has recently admitted he can’t push the Albanian too much due to easing him back in following a long injury lay-off following an ACL injury sustained in December 2022.

“He cannot start like a normal player,” explained Pochettino after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup earlier this month, which saw Broja benched and make an appearance in the second half.

“We need to manage and in three days we have another game he should start. It’s difficult for a player like this to start three games in seven days. That is why.”

Chelsea have been linked with several strikers in January, including Victor Osimhen, Evan Ferguson, Viktor Gyökeres and Jhon Durán.

With Nkunku’s hip injury, Pochettino confirmed Chelsea were looking into the potential idea of acquiring a new centre-forward, however no decision has been made yet by the club.

Pochettino has travelled to Spain in recent days after the squad were given three days off. On Saturday following their 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League, the Chelsea head coach – with a smile – said: “I’d prefer it if the phone did not ring. If it does not ring, it is better.”

Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian has now reported Wolves’ interest in Broja this month, with Gary O’Neil’s side exploring a potential loan deal until the end of the season.

Wolves’ reported initial preference is a ‘loan with an option to buy in the summer’, with it dubbed ‘unlikely’ that they would be able to pursue a permanent transfer.

However, Broja’s future is likely to hinge on whether Chelsea sign a new striker between now and the end of the transfer window. If Pochettino’s side fail to bring anyone in, Broja’s future is likely to be at Chelsea, at least until the summer.

Jhon Durán, Aston Villa striker, spoke to Win Sports TV on his future, revealing: “I have my head in Aston Villa. I am not aware of interest (from) AC Milan or Chelsea.

“They are giant clubs and it would be a pleasure, but I have no knowledge of anything. As a child you dream of playing there.”