Crystal Palace need to reinforce their attack in the next two transfer windows, but finding a striker ready to make an impact is not easy.
Although Odsonne Edouard and Jean Philippe-Mateta have had some good moments this season, centre-forward remains an area of the squad which should be upgraded soon.
There have been links with Eddie Nketiah, but a deal looks difficult as Arsenal want to keep him for now. However, Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sell Armando Broja, and recent rumours have named Crystal Palace as a possible suitor.
Although a deal may be unlikely given the potential finances needed to sign the 22-year-old, he would be an excellent option if a transfer can be completed.
Armando Broja could be perfect for Crystal Palace
The Albanian scored nine times in 38 games on loan at Southampton two seasons ago, and has since matured, but had to recover from a long-term injury.
He would provide a similar physical presence to that of Mateta, standing at 6″3, but offers a lot more ability on the ball and in front of goal.
At 22, Broja would be an option with Premier League experience under his belt, but the potential to improve, and he could be a long-term striker whose value consistently rises with his performance levels.
Crystal Palace managerial situation makes Broja ideal
Roy Hodgson’s job is far from secure, and he is set to leave at the end of the season anyway.
Any Palace move for Broja would likely come in the summer, but they will have to battle other interested parties for his signature.
Julen Lopetegui and Steve Cooper have both been linked with the managerial job at Palace, and Broja could be ideal for both.
Some forwards may not thrive in different styles and under different managers, but Cooper got the best out of a physical forward in Taiwo Awoniyi at Nottingham Forest, whilst Lopetegui made use of target men in Youssef En-Nesyri and Luuk De Jong at Sevilla, and Raul Jimenez at Wolves.
Broja would be a big investment if it happens, but it is one where Palace would still be able to make a profit on him in the future, and he would also be perfect for what appears to be a period of transition at the club in terms of the manager and squad.
