Football
Lazio Show Interest in Armando Broja
Lazio and Cagliari have expressed interest in Albania international striker Armando Broja, who is seeking to leave Burnley following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sport Mediaset, Lazio have contacted Burnley officials to discuss a potential transfer for the 24-year-old Albanian.
The Rome-based club are targeting a season-long loan with an option to buy at the end of the campaign. Burnley are reportedly willing to consider this formula without demanding a firm obligation to make the move permanent. This would make the deal financially viable for Lazio, who are operating with a limited transfer budget.
The English club invested approximately €23 million to sign Broja from Chelsea but could now accept a package worth between €10 million and €12 million for a permanent transfer.
Cagliari have also reportedly entered the race for the Albanian striker, creating a potential two-club battle in Italy for his services.
However, Broja is not Lazio’s first choice. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso is particularly interested in Santiago Giménez, and the club are waiting to see whether AC Milan will open the door for the Mexican striker’s departure.
If a move for Giménez cannot be completed, Broja is considered the most realistic and affordable alternative for Lazio’s attacking department.
The Albanian striker’s position also appears clear: he does not want to play in England’s second tier and would prefer to return to one of Europe’s leading leagues.
Broja’s absence from Burnley’s recent friendly against Ajax increased speculation about his future, although reports have also suggested that he was dealing with a minor physical problem.
Last season was difficult for the Albania international, who scored only once in 24 Premier League appearances. Despite his modest statistics, Broja’s physical strength, pace and previous Serie A experience continue to make him an attractive option for Italian clubs.
The coming days could prove decisive. Lazio are waiting for developments surrounding Giménez, Cagliari remain in the race, while Burnley are seeking a solution that would remove Broja’s wages from their payroll and allow them to recover part of their original investment.