West Ham are “closing” in on a deal for Chelsea striker Armando Broja, according to Romagiallorossa.it.

The Italian website claims that the Albanian international has been identified as the Hammers’ replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.

It is believed that Roma are keen to sign Scamacca on loan but West Ham have told them to wait as they look at who could come in and fill his role in the first-team squad.

Romagiallorossa claim that the Irons have now found their man in Broja, but it remains to be seen whether sources in the UK confirm these reports.

Broja has been a transfer target for West Ham before

In July last year, David Moyes’ side submitted a £30m plus add-ons bid for Broja, which was rejected by Chelsea at the time.

The Blues eventually persuaded the forward to stay and sign a six-year contract until 2028. Since then, though, the 21-year-old has suffered a serious injury.

Broja picked up an ACL in a 1-0 friendly loss to Aston Villa back in December but he should be back available for preseason.

Two loan transfers?

Although the Hammers did try and sign Broja on a permanent basis last summer, they may well consider a loan offer this time around.

Firstly, if Roma are only willing to take Scamacca on loan, West Ham would need a replacement who wouldn’t cost a sizeable amount. On top of that, paying a significant sum for Broja, after he has just recovered from an ACL, would be a huge risk.

While two loan deals may suit both West Ham and Roma, you do have to wonder whether Chelsea would be open to approving a move for Broja. With the likes of Joao Felix, Romelu Lukaku, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz all potentially leaving Stamford Bridge,  it’s difficult to see them agreeing to Broja’s departure as well.