Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal had a genuine interest in Tammy Abraham over the summer, but they had to sell first.

Bournemouth, England, 27th July 2021. Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture credit : Paul Terry / Sportimage
Bournemouth, England, 27th July 2021. Tammy Abraham of Chelsea during the Pre Season Friendly match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture credit: Paul Terry / Sportimage

Speaking this week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal were interested in Tammy Abraham this summer, before the former Chelsea striker joined AS Roma.

“They were really interested,” Romano said. “But they were needing to sell a striker before signing Tammy Abraham.

“They were looking to sell maybe Lacazette or maybe Eddie Nketiah to have a free slot for a new striker. They were really, really pushing & pushing, they were trying in every possible way.”

In the end, Abraham agreed to join AS Roma in a deal that The Athletic reported will eventually be worth €40m.

He completed the move in mid-August after Roma general manager Tiago Pinto met with him, his father, and his agent.

Jose Mourinho also got personally involved to try and get the player to stop waiting for Arsenal and complete his transfer.

Abraham wanted to join Arsenal, but despite their interest, the Gunners didn’t make an offer. Chelsea will retain an €80m buy-back option for the striker.

Tammy Abraham of Chelsea covers his face in water during the 2021/22 Pre Season Friendly match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Goldsands Stadium, Bournemouth, England on 27 July 2021. Copyright: Andy Rowland
Tammy Abraham of Chelsea covers his face in water during the 2021/22 Pre Season Friendly match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea at the Goldsands Stadium, Bournemouth, England on 27 July 2021. Copyright: Andy Rowland

Romano’s claim fits with other reports in the English media at the time.

James McNicholas wrote that Arsenal would have liked to bring in Abraham, but the inability to move on Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah prevented them from doing so.

The then-Chelsea forward was described as a definite target if Arsenal could have raised the funds.

Abraham has eight goals and two assists for Roma since his transfer, making 21 appearances.