Chelsea have revealed the reason why Armando Broja will join up with the squad later than originally planned for the pre-season tour of the United States.
The 20-year-old is set to return for pre-season training after a successful season on loan at Southampton, netting six Premier League goals in his first English top-flight campaign.
However, he was not named in the initial travelling squad as the Blues jet off on their tour of the United States.
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Thomas Tuchel’s men will face Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal during their time in North America before returning to play Udinese in Italy ahead of the new season.
It was revealed that Chelsea are yet to make a decision regarding Broja’s future at the club, just 24 hours before the squad jetted off on the pre-season tour.
The same was reported about Levi Colwill, who has travelled on the plane with his Chelsea teammates after impressing for Huddersfield Town last season.
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Speaking on Broja last season, Tuchel discussed the importance of his loan players as he said: "They are our players and I want to have them in pre-season and then we decide what’s going on.
"It’s heavily linked to them, to how they integrate and what they do and what our ideas are for them and what they want to reach.”
Talks have already taken place between the club and Broja regarding his future, with tuchel keen to assess the Albania international’s progress this summer.
However, he was not named in the initial pre-season squad.
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Chelsea continued to confirm that Broja is likely to meet up with his teammate next week, instead.
It is unclear as to why he will travel later, but is expected to join his team before their first friendly against Club America next Sunday.
Previous reports linked West Ham United as the team leading the race to sign Broja this summer, however, Everton, Newcastle and Southampton, who he was on loan at last season are all interested.
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Furthermore, Napoli are also keen on signing the 20-year-old as he is set to figure out his future this summer.
It remains to be seen as to whether the youngster will join his fellow Blues on tour or if a transfer will be arranged before next week.
N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were also absent from the squad due to not meeting Covid vaccination requirements to enter America.
Chelsea will hope to build fitness ahead of the 2022/23 season, with Tuchel's men once again looking to challenge on all fronts.
Topics: Chelsea, Armando Broja, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms