Southampton handed boost in pursuit of Chelsea's Armando Broja?

Armando Broja's mother, Blenrina Broja, has revealed that first-team football will be a priority for her son when deciding whether he should stay or leave Chelsea in the summer.

The 20-year-old has impressed during his loan spell with Southampton this season and has become a key player under Ralph Hasenhuttl, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 25 appearances across all competitions.

Southampton are believed to be interested in making Broja's loan move permanent, though Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel plans to integrate the Albania international into his first-team plans next season.

Arsenal, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with the striker, but his mother insists that it is important her son plays regularly wherever he ends up.

Speaking to Albanian newspaper Gazeta Tema, she said: "We are used to seeing him being on the pitch [and not on the bench].

"I think it's very important that wherever Armando goes, he plays on the pitch. For a player, this is very important.

"Therefore, any decision that Armando makes will also be our decision as a family. At the moment, he's doing very well. That's what really matters."

Before joining Southampton on loan, Broja signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea in July last year, committing his future at Stamford Bridge until June 2026.