Ipswich Town still ‘in discussions’ with Chelsea over Armando Broja loan deal despite injury

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed the club’s pursuit of Chelsea striker Armandon Broja is not dead, despite the player suffering an Achilles injury that could keep him out for seven weeks.

Reports led by The Guardian on Saturday had suggested the deal was on the verge of collapsing due to hitting a sticking point, initially reported as paperwork but now believed to be an Achilles injury which is thought to have come to light on the medical he is understood to have had at Playford Road.

The 22-year-old Albanian international has been mentioned in relation to Town across the summer with a decision now having to be made ahead of Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

“With Armando, it’s a player we’ve spoken to, I think that’s pretty well known, there are discussions going on with Chelsea at the moment. I’ve not been privy to them over the last 24 hours,” said McKenna at today’s press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup tie at AFC Wimbledon (7.45pm).

“There are discussions ongoing and we’ll see if it’s the right thing for the clubs and the player before Friday.

“Other than that, it’s not right to speak on any other rumours until anything is confirmed.”

Asked to confirm the issue relates to the medical, McKenna added: “I think that’s not right for me to comment on. That’s between the player, first and foremost, and the clubs and there’s discussions ongoing and we’ll see what the resolution is by Friday.”

The Town boss is short on striker options with George Hirst having had to undergo knee surgery following the Fortuna Dusseldorf friendly. He is expected to be back in contention in around another five to six weeks at the earliest.

Summer signing Liam Delap has started the two opening Premier League games in the central striker role with Ali Al-Hamadi, who was plucked from AFC Wimbledon in January, coming off the bench in both games.

Broja, who has 23 caps for Albania including playing at Euro 2024 where he was linked with a move to AC Milan and Everton, ended last season on loan at Fulham which only saw him make eight substitute appearances without finding the net.

The Slough-born player, who has also had loan spells at Dutch side Vitesse and Southampton, has three goals in 11 starts and 27 sub appearances for Chelsea since coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Broja’s loan switch would become permanent next summer in a deal worth more than £20 million if Town were to achieve Premier League survival.

Following the weekend additions of defender Dara O’Shea and attacking midfielder Jack Clarke, Broja could become the Blues’ 12th signing of the window, though there is also reports of interest in Luton Town winger Chiedozie Ogbene which emerged yesterday.

Meanwhile, Town could hand a debut to loan signing Kalvin Phillips in tomorrow’s Carabao Cup Round Two tie at the Sky Bet League Two outfit.

The Suffolk side were coincidentally drawn away to AFC Wimbledon in last season’s FA Cup, winning 3-1 in a third-round tie in January.