Arsenal eye summer transfer move for Chelsea striker

Armando Broja Has the Tools But Needs Refinement

Starting out with the situation as it is, the chances of this deal happening are slim. Best get that out of the way.

Chelsea rate Broja very highly and the fact they tied him down to a new deal just last summer, one that runs until 2026 ‘at least’, demonstrates that. Even if they were willing to sell him that contract ensures they’ll get the price they see fit. Even if the rumours are around £20m, whatever the fee will be could be hefty since Arsenal will always have to pay more. Strengthening a rival is another matter.

As for the player, he has all the attributes to be a big success in the Premier League. Most players at the age of 20 will need to refine certain aspects of their games: the base quality is there but the edges need smoothing out.

In terms of the package, Broja has excellent physicality, using his body well to brush off challenges or position himself well to cover the ball. In the challenges he’s aggressive, and in Hasenhuttl’s system he’s built up superb stamina which is evident in his 93rd percentile rating for pressures in the attacking third.

He may not be the quickest but he isn’t afraid to travel with the ball, making 1.57 carries into the penalty area p/90 (94th percentile), where he boasts decent enough accuracy with his shots (45.2%).

What is important when watching him is his developing game intelligence, which is far from refined. Off the ball his game has been positively tweaked, especially in a pressing machine like Southampton, yet when it come to decision making he has been frustrating on the ball. In layman’s terms, he’s incredibly selfish.

As aspect that is entirely coachable, Broja nonetheless prefers to take two men on when a simple pass option is there, or have a shot at goal from a tight angle when a cutback would present a far higher xG shot.

Boasting good height, natural strength, excellent work rate and development potential, there is a reason he was included on a list of transfer targets to watch. The issue is, however, how obtainable he may be and given he’s so highly thought of at Chelsea. Add to that how Romelu Lukaku continues to be misused as a target man and a switch to north London doesn’t feel likely.

Or at least not cheap.