Chelsea: Armando Broja form key to Blues transfer push for new striker in January

Armando Broja will hope to rediscover his goalscoring touch this month to show Chelsea why they do not need to sign another striker.

The 22-year-old is likely to make his second consecutive start when Preston visit Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup on Saturday evening.

With Nicolas Jackson heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, Broja is set for a run in the team and a chance to prove his worth to Mauricio Pochettino.

Jackson could miss up to seven matches if Senegal reach the AFCON Final and, while Christopher Nkunku can also play through the middle, Broja is the only player in the Chelsea squad with the traditional characteristics of a target man.

But the Albania star is without a goal in 11 matches, albeit with six of those appearances coming from the bench.

He has also not completed a full 90 minutes since returning after 10 months out with a serious knee injury. The start of 2024 feels like a crossroads in Broja's career, with Chelsea monitoring his progress while also eyeing the transfer market for a new striker.

Chelsea have known interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney, while Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez, RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy have also been linked as cheaper alternative options.

But the Blues are cautious about making any rash moves in January and are reluctant to pay over the odds or sign someone who will need time to adapt to English football.

Fulham are ready to move for Broja if he becomes available, but Chelsea know their homegrown star could yet come good. Regardless of interest from other clubs, Broja wants to fight for his future at Chelsea.

He started the 3-2 win at Luton but looked frustrated when substituted just after the hour mark. He left with Chelsea 3-0 up but they almost collapsed without his physicality in the last 20 minutes.

That display has given Broja something to build on, but he needs to start scoring.