In a bid to improve up top, Crystal Palace are now eyeing up a player likened to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
There’s been no secret about where Crystal Palace intends to strengthen this summer as several players have been linked to priority positions.
For Oliver Glasner, it seems that the No. 9 position is a glaring priority.
This is despite the emergence of Jean-Philippe Mateta as a bonafide star under the Austrian with four goals in six games.
For Palace, Odsonne Edouard could be set for departure which could open the door for a replacement.
Now one option has been named as a player Dougie Freedman is keen on.
Armando Broja is now attracting interest from Crystal Palace
For Palace, the striker position was one they wanted to strengthen in January to no avail. Now, attention has turned to Armando Broja who has struggled on loan at Fulham thus far.
The Chelsea striker could be perfect for Glasner, with Ben Jacobs telling Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Albanian is a target for the Eagles.
However, Palace doesn’t plan on paying more than £20m which could provide a stumbling block as Chelsea are almost sure to demand a fee far in excess of this.
His stock has slightly dropped this season, but prior he has been viewed among the league’s most exciting strikers, with Alan Shearer even heaping praise onto him.
“Let me tell you, this lad is clinical,” raved the legendary striker turned pundit on Premier League productions.
But would he be a good fit for Palace? Let’s have a look…
Does Armando Broja fit in for Oliver Glasner?
In a striker, Glasner is known to favour a big strong classic No. 9 which makes Broja along with Mateta two ideal options.
Broja shares similar traits with long-term Palace-linked striker Eddie Nketiah which could explain the interest.
But FBRef points out 15-goal Premier League ace Alexander Isak as a player Broja is similar to which indicates Palace could get a real gem.
| Armando Broja | Alexander Isak | |
| Minutes played (23/24) | 511 | 1672 |
| Goals | 1 | 15 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Shot creating actions per 90 | 1.41 | 2.78 |
| Pass completion % per 90 | 85.6 per cent | 78 per cent |
| Progressive passes per 90 | 1.41 | 3.14 |
| Progressive carries per 90 | 2.29 | 2.68 |
| Successful take-ons per 90 | 2.64 | 1.77 |
| Touches (Att pen) | 6.87 | 4.95 |
| Progressive passes recieved | 7.75 | 5.65 |
From these stats, it’s clear that the two aren’t a million miles apart stylistically, although Isak is quite clearly the better of the two.
Broja however hasn’t been given anywhere near the responsibility and role or chance to shine as Isak but the signs are there.
He’d be an excellent signing. But – and we can’t stress this enough – it must be for the right price.
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