Transfer Profile: Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham

Transfer Profile: Tammy Abraham


By Alec McQuarrie

It is no secret that Arsenal are in the market for a striker this summer, with first Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and now Alexandre Lacazette departing from North London.

Discussions are underway to secure the services of Eddie Nketiah beyond the expiry of his contract this month, but even if the 22-year-old is persuaded to stay, Mikel Arteta is desperately in need of forward options for next season.

And after a terrific year in Italy, could former Chelsea centre forward Tammy Abraham be the answer to Arsenal’s attacking shortage?

Who is he?

Despite growing up an Arsenal fan in south London, Abraham joined Chelsea’s academy at under-8 level, progressing through their system to become one of the hottest prospects at the club.

Between 2014 and 2016 he scored 74 goals in 98 matches for Chelsea’s youth sides, earning him a first-team debut aged 18.

A successful loan spell at Bristol City followed, where he became the first-ever player to win the club’s Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Top Goalscorer awards.

The then-teenager had two more loan moves with varying success, suffering relegation from the Premier League with Swansea in 2018 before firing Aston Villa to promotion a year later.

Frank Lampard rewarded the soon-to-be England international with the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge, and he delivered 18 goals in all competitions for the Blues, ending the season as their top scorer.

An indifferent following season with limited opportunities led Abraham to sign for Roma where the forward has flourished under Jose Mourinho.

Nobody accumulated a higher non-penalty xG in Serie A, as he notched 27 goals in all competitions to secure I Giallorossi a sixth-place finish and the inaugural Europa Conference League title.

What would he bring to Arsenal?

Abraham has established himself as a consistent one-in-two goalscorer, regularly netting between 18-28 goals a season which would have easily topped Arsenal’s scoring charts this year.

He is adept at playing as a lone striker as he proved in Roma’s 4-2-3-1 or alternatively with a partner in a 3-5-2.

Abraham is most comfortable on the shoulder of the last defender, exploiting space in behind or providing a recognisable focal point for attacking midfielders to fire passes or crosses into.

His finishing is often instinctive, preferring to shoot early, especially when he has limited space in the penalty area.

One area of improvement would be his link up play further from goal.

Even though his one-touch play is superb, Abraham can get himself into trouble if he tries to overcomplicate under pressure.

Verdict – should Arsenal sign him?

The imposing forward will not come cheap.

Clubs across Europe are fully aware of Arsenal’s intentions this summer and with every England international subject to the apocryphal ‘English tax’, Roma reportedly want £67 million for Abraham.

But in light of the dearth of attacking talent currently available, it might well prove money well spent to procure a proven striker who is just entering his peak years.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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