This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Nottingham Forest have once again been linked with a striker this summer, with Chelsea forward Armando Broja the latest name mentioned alongside the Reds.
As per NottinghamLive, Forest are considering a move for the Chelsea starlet, with a loan move rather than a permanent one most likely.
Broja spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Southampton where he impressed many with his performances, scoring nine goals and registering one assist in 38 appearances.
The 20-year-old has four years left on his current Chelsea contract that ties him down at Stamford Bridge until 2026.
With the above in mind, we asked our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on Broja being linked with a move to the City Ground.
Declan Harte
Broja had a very impressive stint on loan with Southampton last season, scoring six league goals from 32 appearances at only 20 years old.
The striker showed great work-rate off the ball and performed well in Ralph Hassenhuttl’s heavy pressing system.
He would be an ideal fit for Cooper’s side and has the technical ability to be a real upgrade in the Forest attack.
Whilst a loan move wouldn’t be ideal, this is the kind of player profile that the Reds should be targeting this summer.
Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson
It seems clear that Forest are in the market for a striker this summer considering the sheer number of forwards they are being linked with.
I do think Broja could be a good option for Steve Cooper's side, too.
Broja really impressed down in Southampton this season and I'm sure if he was available on loan again this summer, they'd be right back in for him, which says a lot.
Broja has a big future ahead of him, no doubt, but can also contribute now for a team mid-table or below.
As such, if Forest can get this done, I like this deal, and much prefer it to one for Lucas Joao, for example.
Ben Wignall
With Aston Villa seemingly wanting £15 million for Keinan Davis, Nottingham Forest may explore their options elsewhere, and if Broja is available to them, then they'd be silly not to try and bring him to the City Ground.
Before he joined Southampton on loan last season, the Albanian didn't have much experience, with a sole season in the Eredivisie, scoring 10 times.
The Premier League represented a big step up, but Broja looked very exciting at times, showing he had the pace and power required to be a hit in the top flight.
Whilst he wasn't exactly prolific, scoring six times in 32 appearances, Broja is in the early stages of his career, and with how well we know Steve Cooper develops young talents, Forest could be the ideal destination for the youngster next season.