Recently promoted PL side in advanced talks to sign Chelsea attacker - Reports
Ipswich Town are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja, according to Sky Sports. The Tractor Boys have maintained their interest in the 22-year-old despite previous setbacks in their pursuit.
Broja is currently sidelined with a foot injury and is not expected to return until October, but has remained a key target for Ipswich as they look to bolster their forward line.
CFC, meanwhile, are under pressure to offload one of their forwards before the transfer window closes, especially with Saudi club Al-Ahli expressing interest in the Blues’ main striker options Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney. Ipswich have already seen two offers for Broja rejected, and a previously agreed deal fell through at the last minute, according to The Athletic.
However, the club remains optimistic about securing the Albanian international's services before the deadline.
While other clubs have also shown interest in Broja, Ipswich appear to be the frontrunner in the race to sign the Chelsea academy product. The looming transfer deadline could compel the London club to accept Ipswich’s terms, allowing Broja to gain valuable game time away from Stamford Bridge.
Despite his injury, Broja’s potential return in October could provide the firepower the newcomers need to make a push in the league.
Chelsea target Ivan Toney expected to move to Al-Ahli
Ivan Toney, who was previously targeted by Chelsea, is reportedly on the verge of completing a £40 million move to Saudi club Al-Ahli, according to Sky Sports. The Brentford striker was filmed arriving for his medical in London on Deadline Day, signaling the deal is close to being finalized. However, with the Saudi transfer window open until Monday, Al-Ahli are in no rush to complete the deal.
The report stated the Saudi club are also on the hunt for another of Chelsea's prime forward targets, Victor Osimhen. Al-Ahli's pursuit of Osimhen has hit a snag, with Napoli increasing their asking price after initially agreeing to a fee in the region of £67 million (via Sky Sports).
However, Osimhen has yet to give the green light to the move, and the Blues have not given up hope of securing their long-term target. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether the Blues can pull off the signing or if Al-Ahli will land both of their striker targets.