Frank Lampard has discussed Southampton striker Armando Broja as Everton prepare for Saturday’s match at St Mary’s.
The Albania international is currently on loan from Chelsea and has impressed on the south coast this campaign.
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He will return to Stamford Bridge in the summer but will likely be a back-up for £97.5m forward Romelu Lukaku.
With his position under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea uncertain, Broja has been heavily linked with a summer transfer.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the 20-year-old with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract at the end of the season.
A report from the Sun earlier this week added Bundesliga pair Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to the mix.
Arsenal are monitoring Armando Broja, the striker is highly admired by Arteta. (@ChrisWheatley_) #afc
Would you take him at the Emirates? pic.twitter.com/ZuOJw7l5Ek
— Arsenal Presser (@APresserV2) February 13, 2022
Chelsea are under no pressure to sell their striker as he is under contract until 2026.
He only has one appearance for the Blues but has been in good form for Southampton this season, netting six times in 20 Premier League encounters.
And ahead of Everton’s trip to the south coast, former Chelsea boss Lampard has praised the “talented” young striker.
Lampard said: “I gave him his debut at Chelsea. He’s a good lad, a very talented young boy.
“He came to us at the start of the Covid times and trained with us and is showing his attributes with Southampton now.
“Fast, strong. Has a real eye for goal. A very, very good player. I’m very aware of his strength.”
Meanwhile, William Gallas thinks it would be a failure for Mikel Arteta if Arsenal didn’t qualify for the Champions League through the Premier League this season.
The Gunners currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United but with three games in hand on their rivals.
“If they don’t finish top four, it’s a failure. It’s that simple,” Gallas told Metro.co.uk.
“When you play and manage a big club like Arsenal, your target is to finish top four. I know it’s not easy with so many clubs like City, Chelsea, United, Liverpool, Tottenham but that doesn’t matter – you have to finish in the top four at a minimum.
“You’ve got a strong squad with Arsenal, if Arteta doesn’t make top four, he’s failed.”
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