Arsenal and Manchester United are at the front of the queue to bring Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League, according to a report in Italy.
Abraham has become a big commodity since leaving Chelsea for Roma in the summer of 2021. The striker made an instant impact in Serie A and has earned his place back among the England squad.
During the 2021-22 campaign, Abraham set a record for the most goals scored by a Roma player in their debut season with the club. He capped it off by winning the Europa Conference League.
As a result, the 24-year-old has earned plenty of admirers back in his homeland. Chelsea can activate an €80m (£68.7m) buyback clause for him in 2023, but Roma could be braced for bids before then.
Indeed, Corriere Dello Sport are reporting that the Serie A side are under “siege” when it comes to protecting their striker.
The Rome-based outlet claims Arsenal and Manchester United are “ahead” in the battle for Abraham. Both clubs are looking for new marksmen this summer.
Arsenal have tied Eddie Nketiah down to a new contract, but need to replace Alexandre Lacazette. Their top target is Gabriel Jesus, but Abraham is back on their radar, just like he was before his Roma move.
Man Utd, meanwhile, are losing Edinson Cavani at the end of his contract. Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-term future is also in doubt. Therefore, they may need a new number nine.
However, their chances of signing Abraham may not be as good as they were hoping. The report has revealed that Roma are showing resistance to any offer that comes their way.
Of course, there will be nothing they can do if Chelsea put €80m on the table next summer. But in the meantime, they are planning to let Jose Mourinho work with the former Aston Villa loanee for at least one more season.
In fact, Mourinho has supposedly been promised that Abraham does not have a price tag for the 2022 market.
Hence, any of Abraham’s three English admirers will have to wait another 12 months before they stand a chance. By then, Chelsea will theoretically have the advantage due to their clause.
But much will depend on their other activity up front in the interim.
Another season in Serie A will do Tammy Abraham good
Only time will tell who is able to lure Abraham back to the Premier League. Mourinho has made no secret of the fact that he expects to lose his number nine to an English side at some stage.
But for now, it is best for them to continue working together. Abraham has found somewhere to settle where he is a popular figure.
After scoring 27 goals last season, his target will be to keep up his good work and replicate his form during his second season.
Beyond then, a Premier League move may be appealing. Exactly where to, only time will tell.
