Official: Southampton beat Udinese to Chelsea wonderkid

Southampton have beaten Udinese to the signature of Chelsea wonderkid Armando Broja.

The Blues up-and-coming striker, 19, is set to spend the 2021-22 season at St Mary’s, according to Italian football expert Fabrizio Romano.

It is claimed the Slough-born forward completed his medical with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side today, after agreeing to a contract extension with the 2021 Champions League winners in July.

And the starlet’s new five-year deal will see him remain a Chelsea player until June 2026.

Broja, who spent last term on loan with Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem, is thought to have wowed Stamford Bridge and Saints officials with his performances in the Eredivisie.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: “Armando is a very talented player who we were impressed by last season.

“He is young, but he comes now with a full season of experience in senior football with a good team, and he brings a lot of qualities that can help us.

“He is a strong, quick player with a good instinct and this makes him a good fit for the way we like to play.

“I know how highly regarded he is by Chelsea, and I think this will be a good place for him to continue his own development as well.”

Broja said: “I feel very happy. I was really excited to join Southampton. It’s obviously a very good Premier League club.

“They’ve got a good history and they play in the best league in the world, so it’s amazing for a young player to experience it, be in and around a Premier League team, and learn and develop from the older players, the staff and everyone here. It’s a very good opportunity.”