According to reports in The Express, Arsenal have agreed to meet the wage demands of Tammy Abraham in an attempt to sign him this summer and this has not gone down well with some of the fans.
The 23-year-old was a regular starter for the Blues in the 19/20 season with 47 appearances across all competitions. He ended the campaign as their top scorer with 18 goals and six assists.
However, the striker’s playing time seems to have dried up under his new manager, Thomas Tuchel. He played just 17 minutes in the final three months of last season[via transfermarkt].
The North Londoners have identified Abraham as a player who can strengthen their attack and they are making strides to secure his services for next season.
As per reports in The Express, the Chelsea star is on £80,000-a-week but wants £125,000-a-week and the Gunners are willing to meet his wage demands to lure him away. Chelsea have slapped a £40million price tag but they are prepared to let him go on a loan with an obligation to buy next summer.
Aston Villa and West Ham United have also registered their interests to sign the England international. Arsenal currently lead the race but the price tag is a hindering factor in the process.
The report also adds that a move for Abraham depends on the future of Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette. The duo has entered the final year of their contracts. Nketiah has been offered a contract extension but he is yet to sign it, suggesting the youngster could seek a move away from North London this transfer window.
This news has grabbed the attention of Arsenal fans and this is how some of them reacted on Twitter:
If we do this deal arteta and edu need to be sacked
— Bradley🔴🇮🇪 (@JB___AFC) July 23, 2021
We do not need this guy . I don’t think this guy is better than folarin Balogun.
— Arsenal religion (@Dominic777775) July 24, 2021
I’m I in a nightmare ? Can’t believe this could become reality. Picking up Chelsea rejects to fund their big money move for Haaland
— James (@Jimbo_W91) July 24, 2021
A loan and option to buy would be sensible business, gives us room to move Laca on who has little contract left and to let Nketiah go, with a chance to see him play before we commit.
However unless the fee and wages are lower then reports we shouldn’t have an obligation to buy.— Not the Usurper (@Thatsmycannoli) July 24, 2021
Genuinely hating this rumour. It’s just not going away 🙁
— Meshaal Qureshi (@Meshaal_Qureshi) July 23, 2021
What an insult to Saka’s wages
— Watercloud (@Watercloud10) July 24, 2021
Oh God this is not happening
— Nwawelugo 1 (@Chim_meremeze) July 24, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette. While Nketiah has been offered a contract extension, there is no indication that Lacazette has been offered the same. Both players could be on the verge of an exit which could prove to be a catalyst in Arsenal’s pursuit for the Chelsea ace.
Although Abraham has an impressive goal-scoring record, there has been a dip in his form recently. The 23-year-old has just managed to score six goals in 22 league appearances last season. He does not seem to be an upgrade on the Gunners’ current attacking options with such figures.
It is also important to note that the north Londoners have got Folarin Balogun coming through the ranks. He has been included in the first-team squad for next season. Signing Abraham could hinder the progress of the exciting youngster. Gabriel Martinelli has also made some impressive cameos as a striker last season. Therefore, it is unnecessary to sign a player with such a hefty price tag and wage bill, when there are already promising contenders for the position.
Read More: Dharmesh Sheth speaks out on Arsenal transfer plans
