Transfer Talk: Broja on Fulham's radar before January deadline

The January transfer window is drawing to a close — and Fulham are still searching for a striker.

But Chelsea frontman Armando Broja is emerging as an option for Marco Silva's side, amid reports that the Blues are willing to let him go.

With Premier League experience and plenty of potential, the 22-year-old could be a shrewd addition for the Cottagers.

We consider whether a move could be on the cards ahead of Fulham's FA Cup clash with Newcastle.

January jostling

Fulham will not be alone if they choose to pursue a deal for Broja.

West Ham and Wolves are also believed to be interested, though the forward's exit is not guaranteed.

The Athletic have reported Premier League clubs may struggle to afford Chelsea's No19, who is valued from £35-50million.

Fulham and West Ham are considered the most viable options but any deal this month may be an initial loan with an option to buy.

Silva's Cottagers are still searching for a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic despite Raul Jimenez's upturn in form easing their attacking concerns.

The latter is 32, though, so bringing in a striker 10 years his junior would be a sensible move.

Broja, whose Chelsea contract runs until 2028, could also have significant sell-on value if he succeeds at his next club.

Untapped potential

Interest in Broja is not surprising despite his lack of game time this season.

The Albania international has scored twice in all competitions for Chelsea but only started eight matches after returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September.

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino said: "Of course, the potential is massive. It's about the process. 

"All the biggest strikers always need time. When they are young you need to find the right balance.

"It's a process, a matter of time. We can provide the time — he is going to need time to be good and not so good.

"I always compare with Harry Kane. He was at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester.

"He spent time to find his real balance and then in our first six months [at Tottenham] he started to perform in December, January. We started to see his real potential."

Broja may have struggled to break into Chelsea's first team but only two seasons ago he scored nine goals on loan at a struggling Southampton side.

And the Berkshire-born marksman has still posted some impressive numbers this term in limited game time.

He ranks first among Premier League strikers for completed take-ons per 90 minutes (2.58) and in the top three for possessions won in the attacking third per 90 (1.19).

Next move

A move to Fulham could be beneficial for Broja.

Chelsea has been a difficult place for even the most seasoned strikers in recent years.

However, the 17-cap international has started four of the Blues' last five games and might feel he is beginning to win the trust of Pochettino.

Just one goal in that period suggests things are still not entirely working out, though.

With the financial intricacies to work out, it remains to be seen if Broja will be on his way out before the end of the month.

The Cottagers will be hoping the striker is ready to make the switch across West London.