Everton look set to miss out on another long-term transfer target this summer, as Chelsea striker Armando Broja is reportedly close to signing for West Ham United.
What's the word?
After an impressive first taste of senior football in England with Southampton last season, the Albanian forward has been a man in demand this summer, with Everton amongst those most heavily linked with him.
However, it appears as if the Hammers have won the race to sign the exciting 20-year-old, as David Ornstein shared the latest development in his transfer saga on Twitter.
He wrote: "West Ham close to agreement with Chelsea for Armando Broja. Currently working towards permanent. Personal terms in place but contract length undetermined. Deal didn’t develop at #CFC request but his wish for regular 1st team starts."
Supporters will be gutted
Considering Everton received £60m for Richarlison earlier in the transfer window, they clearly aren't short of transfer funds, and Broja could have been an excellent like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian.
After hitting nine goals in all competitions for Southampton last season, the young forward is likely to go from strength to strength in a side like West Ham, and Everton could seriously regret not signing him in the future if he lives up to his obvious potential.
Despite a disastrous 2021/22 campaign that nearly saw Everton relegated, Frank Lampard's side have arguably weakened their side so far this summer, with only James Tarkowski joining on a free transfer so far.
The Toffees kick off their season against Chelsea in less than three weeks and supporters will be extremely concerned that they could be in for another tough campaign unless the team is strengthened in the near future.
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Lampard currently has just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon available as natural striker options in his squad and considering the former's injury issues and the latter's goal-scoring record, it is clear that a new striker must arrive at Goodison Park.
Therefore, supporters will rightfully be gutted that a deal couldn't be done for Broja, and they will be desperate to see the Toffees wisely reinvest the Richarlison money as soon as possible.