Arsenal: 3 strikers linked ahead of transfer deadline

3. Tammy Abraham – Chelsea

Arsenal’s interest in Tammy Abraham is well documented. Already a peripheral figure in west London following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, nothing screams summer departure more than adding £100m worth of Lukaku into the equation.

Having not made matchday squads, Abraham might not even have a spot in the training ground dressing room at this rate.

Due to the profile of player Arteta is seeking this window, it comes as no surprise that the boyhood Arsenal supporter is on the club’s radar. Throw in the usual ex-Chelsea tag and it becomes clear as day. Ha..

As per any striker purchase this summer, all depends on shifting Lacazette and Nketiah. The former is more important than the latter. Outlets across the UK have noted the interest in Abraham and Sky Italia’s Di Marzio adds that Roma have now entered the conversation.

Atalanta were willing to make the 23-year-old their record ever transfer but are no longer in the race partly, it’s believed, because of Abraham wanting to remain in the Premier League. Roma, who refused to budge on their Granit Xhaka valuation, would surely suffer the same fate even with Edin Dzeko departing for Inter.

Any deal for Abraham is said to cost in the region of £35-£40m, a move that Arsenal have explored with the possibility of being an initial loan move with an obligation to buy. If that is signed off on, then one potential plan of Arteta’s could be to have Abraham and Balogun as the two centre-forward options in a year’s time, with Lacazette and maybe Aubameyang gone.

In all honesty, who knows. It’s clear a striker is on the agenda but nothing will happen until Lacazette is sold. There is still plenty of time for that to take place but, as it is, nothing appears to be brewing out in the open.