Everton have reportedly made an approach to sign Armando Broja from Chelsea and the striker could be the ideal man to replace Richarlison at Goodison Park.

According to The Athletic, Frank Lampard's side have made an approach to sign the 20-year-old after his eye-catching performances on loan at Southampton last season.

The Albania international hit nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Saints in 2021/22, in what was his first taste of senior football in England, so it has been no surprise to see him linked with a number of Premier League sides this summer.

Lampard looks desperately short of striking options after Richarlison's move to Tottenham Hotspur, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon the only real options for the Toffees, which is a big risk for the club after the former's injury concerns last season.

Ellis Simms is unlikely to be deemed ready to make the step up into the first-team just yet, despite some impressive loan spells in recent seasons, so Lampard needs another option with Premier League experience.

According to FbRef, Richarlison is the eighth-most similar player to Broja in terms of style of play, so the Albanian feels like a natural replacement for the Brazilian at Goodison Park.

The two registered similar numbers in terms of non-penalty goals per 90, shots on target and pass completion rates last season, while Broja's youth and athletic ability suggests that he could perform a similar role to Richarlison, in that he can be a constant nuisance to Premier League defences with his pace and physicality.

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Ralph Hasenhuttl was full of praise for the young forward last season, saying:

“He’s a great threat. He has not had many poor games this season and today he showed again how dangerous he can be for the opponent and he’s very helpful for our game."

Therefore, if Everton are willing to pay Chelsea's reported £30m asking price, then Broja could prove to be the ideal heir to Richarlison at Goodison Park next season.

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