Armando Broja is ready to ditch the Premier League for an overseas adventure this summer amid transfer interest from AC Milan, who are keen on the Chelsea striker as an alternative to Joshua Zirkzee.
Milan had been hot on the heels of Bologna's Zirkzee, but they now face the prospect of missing out due to rival interest from Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have identified the Dutchman as a suitable target to take the club forward this summer.
The Red Devils pressing ahead and activating Zirkzee's £34million release clause would pave the way for Milan to turn their attention to Broja, who is high up on their attacking wish list.
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Everton, Wolves and Stuttgart are also showing interest in Broja. But Express Sport understands that Milan's approach is considered particularly enticing by the player and his entourage, not least due to how his style of play could thrive in Serie A.
The 22-year-old is set to be sold by Chelsea this summer after failing to make his mark in the first team on a consistent basis and struggling for form during a disappointing loan spell at Fulham in 2023/24.
Chelsea want around £30m for Broja, and the Rossoneri's pursuit of the more expensive Zirkzee suggests they have the funds to meet the Londoners' valuation.
Everton began pushing for Broja earlier this month, but their dire financial situation requires them to sell before they can buy this summer.
The stars looked to be aligning when Newcastle United stepped up negotiations for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in a move which would have cleared a spot in the Toffees' first team for Broja, but the switch has since fallen through due to a disagreement over price.
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Broja has made 38 appearances for Chelsea's senior side since breaking through as a teenager. The best spell of his professional career came during loan stints at Vitesse Arnhem and Southampton, where he scored 10 and six league goals respectively in consecutive seasons.
A goalless spell at Craven Cottage last term, where he was kept out of the side by an in-form Rodrigo Muniz, sent Broja into Euro 2024 low on confidence. The Albania international started his nation's first game but had to make do with a spot on the bench for the subsequent two, as they finished bottom of Group B with a draw and two defeats.
