Arsenal were trying every possible move to bring Tammy Abraham to the club from Chelsea, before the striker chose to leave England and join Jose Mourinho at Roma.
The news comes from Fabrizio Romano’s Here We Go podcast, wherein the Italian journalist said that Arsenal needed to sell a striker before completing the signing of Abraham. Arsenal were linked with a £34 million move for the Chelsea player, but needed to sell either of Eddie Nketiah or Alexandre Lacazette to make room for Abraham, but the player decided to not make the move to the Emirates.
The North London club were in talks with Abraham’s agent and the Chelsea officials as well for a transfer, and were very interested in the striker. But while the London club were convinced about the striker, Abraham had his eyes set on Rome, and it isn’t easy to change players’ minds once they have their sights set on a target.
Lacazette only has one year remaining on his current deal, and will be able to depart as a free agent next summer if he does not renew. The player made the move to Arsenal from Lyon in 2017 for £46.5 million, and has since had a relatively successful spell although the fanbase is divided about his tenure at the club.
The 30-year-old could end up leaving the club next summer and Abraham was the intended replacement. However, the Gunners will have to look elsewhere for a new striker if they want one.