Arch-rivals closing in on landing out-of-favour Chelsea ace on loan this summer

Transfer News: Arsenal lead race to land Chelsea ace Tammy Abraham

According to The Sun (h/t Daily Mail), Arsenal are the favourites to land out-of-favour Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer.

The Gunners face a pivotal summer after failing to qualify for Europe last season. Mikel Arteta will be keen for the North Londoners to improve this season and is eyeing Abraham as a potential addition to his squad.

Arsenal are keen to take the player initially on a loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent next summer. The Blues are open to the idea as long as their asking price of £40m is met. Other Premier League sides namely Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are also keen on the player. However, as things stand, Arsenal are leading the race for the 23-year-old. (h/t Daily Mail)

Abraham has so far made 82 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions. During this time, he scored 30 goals and made 12 assists. While his numbers may not be prolific, it displays the potential he has en route to becoming a leading striker in the years to come.

The 23-year-old scored in the pre-season victory over Peterborough last week, but is surplus to requirements at the Bridge. New manager Thomas Tuchel has used him sparingly and it is fair to say that the German has shown little inclination to change it.

According to the report, Abraham is not averse to moving to Arsenal. A boyhood Gunner who grew up idolizing Thierry Henry, he now has an opportunity to write a similar story in the Gunners’ history books.

Arsenal, for their part, are likely to pay a large chunk of his wages to sign him on loan. It would reduce Chelsea’s wage bill by around £80,000-a-week, freeing up resources to help finance their own transfers.

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With Olivier Giroud having already left, Abraham’s departure will make Timo Werner the club’s top striker. The German international has largely flattered to deceive and is testing Tuchel’s patience. The Blues are eyeing a blockbuster move for Erling Haaland and are also ready to offer Werner in part exchange to land the Norwegian.

As things stand the Blues will not just need to add quality to their frontline but also strength in depth. Meanwhile, teenage star Armando Broja, who recently penned a five-year deal is expected to be elevated to the first team for the upcoming campaign.