Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: Unique Broja doing well at Saints

The striker is currently enjoying a season-long loan at St Mary's, and is the club's top goalscorer this campaign with seven goals.

That form has led to calls for Saints to try and make a permanent move for Broja either in this transfer window or in the summer.

A report today in the Evening Standard claims Chelsea will let Saints know this week whether or not they will entertain bids for the striker this month.

The suggestion is Saints would have to pay at least £20million to sign the Albania international, and accept a buy-back clause as part of the deal, as they did with Tino Livramento in the summer.

Asked if Broja will get a chance back at Chelsea next season, Blues boss Tuchel said: "He is our player and he is doing good. But at the same time it is only half a season.

"He needs to continue to improve and to make his statement at Southampton.

"We have a reason why they are our players. They have quality, they have mentality and now they are out there on their own in different environments, different clubs and proving themselves.

"Armando is getting better and better.

"He is a very unique player with very unique strengths in his game - his speed and robustness. And he is a goalscorer.

"First of all, now is not the moment to discuss about the summer. Now is the moment for him to stay calm and keep on improving."

Speaking recently on the possibility of Broja extending his stay at Saints, Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Martin (Semmens) is in close contact with Marina (Granovskaia) and they will definitely find the right words and the right conversations.

“Everyone has their interests, this is normal in this business, but we must find a decision that is best for everybody.

"We will find a solution that is hopefully the best for the player and also for us. There are various options that you can talk about.

“The most important thing is that the player knows what he has to do. I think that he knows very clear what he has with us at this club and that he feels super good here, everyone knows that.

“He knows Tino (Livramento), he knows Dynel (Simeu) from Chelsea, he gets on well with Will (Smallbone) and Nathan Tella, it’s a young group.

“This isn't about money, it is about feeling comfortable and getting a good atmosphere to develop your game and to get better and better.”

He continued: “There are a lot of talks to be had but Martin is on this and Broja should concentrate on this game.

“It’s a job for us as a club but also his people around him. I know that his family is very keen that he is with us and they have absolutely confirmed that he should stay longer with us.

“Then it’s also about Chelsea and what they want.”

The Athletic today reported “most probable outcome” for the 20-year-old frontman is that he leaves Chelsea on a permanent transfer in the summer, or competes for a starting spot at Stamford Bridge, as opposed to heading out on loan again.

Broja, who featured during pre-season for Chelsea, scoring in a win at Bournemouth, spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in Holland.

Before joining Saints in the summer, the 20-year-old signed a new five-year deal at Chelsea.