Fulham beat the transfer deadline day clock to complete Armando Broja loan move as striker exits Chelsea

FULHAM beat the transfer deadline day clock to complete a stunning loan move for Chelsea star Armando Broja.

The 22-year-old striker has joined the Blues’ rivals until the end of the season.

Rex

Armando Broja has joined Fulham on loan from Chelsea[/caption]

And reports claim Fulham will avoid paying a loan fee if they give Broja a certain amount of starts and minutes at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva was desperate to sign a striker on deadline day but saw a number of deals collapse.

PSG’s Hugo Ekitike snubbed Fulham for a loan move to German side Eintracht Frankfurt.

And Borussia Dortmund also turned down an offer from the Cottagers for Sebastien Haller.

Broja, who started Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Fulham last month, could now make his debut tomorrow night at Burnley.

The Albania international, who had scored just once for Chelsea in the league this term, said: “It feels amazing.

“I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started, meet the players and manager and play for the fans.

“The fans always play a big role and I can’t wait to go to Craven Cottage and meet them all.

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“I’m going to work hard for the team and create a real bond. I’m really honoured and excited to be here.”

Broja’s arrival certainly comes at the right time for Fulham.

Raul Jimenez limped off the field during Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Everton.

And he will be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury.

Fulham problems

The Mexican was forced off during the 0-0 draw with Everton in midweek and it is unclear when he will be ready to return.

Boss Marco Silva, who is preparing his side to face Burnley this weekend, said: “It is a hamstring injury, it is too early now to say how many weeks it will be.

“It is not something that is going to be quick.”

There had been interest in both back up strikers Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz during the January window but Jimenez’s injury ended the prospect of either leaving the club.

Fulham are already without Adama Traore and fellow winger Harry Wilson, who suffered a shoulder injury in their FA Cup defeat to Newcastle last weekend.

The Cottagers had wanted to add another winger during the transfer window due to Traore’s injury problems.

Silva will also be without Issa Diop after the former West Ham defender suffered a hamstring injury.

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