Fabrizio Romano has written exclusively for CaughtOffside’s Substack about two players West Ham had an interest in signing from Chelsea this summer.
The Hammers had an offer rejected for Armando Broja, who has just signed a new contract with Chelsea, while they were also linked with Ross Barkley, but they never made him an offer before he left the Blues on a free transfer to Nice. .
Broja looks like a hugely promising young talent, and it seems that West Ham were willing to pay to try to lure him to the London Stadium, but Chelsea decided to keep him, with his new contract perhaps a sign that he will now be more involved. in Thomas Tuchel’s first team after his impressive loan spell at Southampton last season.
Meanwhile, Barkley had fallen out of favor at Stamford Bridge and it’s not too surprising to see him move on, as West Ham may not be ready to take a chance on this out-of-form player.
On Broja, Romano said: “Broja was close to leaving when West Ham offered €40m for him, but Chelsea rejected the offer. All other negotiations were superficial, including Newcastle’s interest.
On Barkley, he added: “West Ham and Everton have often been linked with Barkley but have never put forward proposals. Nice have wanted him for weeks, and there has been no race with other clubs because the French club has insisted and convinced Barkley in the last ten days”.
More stories / Last News
West Ham had a decent transfer window at the end, with Lucas Paquetá the choice of their new signings, but the addition of a threat like Broja up front could really have taken David Moyes’ side to another level this season.
Chelsea fans are hoping the Albanian international can now fulfill his potential with them after seeing top youngsters leave without much opportunity, only to then go on and strengthen their rivals.
