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Arsenal target England man after Dortmund snub Chelsea over Haaland

Reports claim Arsenal have joined the race to sign striker Tammy Abraham after Chelsea failed with a bid to include the striker in a player-plus-cash bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

The Blues have long been linked with a swoop for the prolific Norway forward. Reports earlier this week suggested Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich had earmarked a huge sum to get the deal done. But the BBC claim Dortmund are unwilling to sell the youngster this summer who has also been on Manchester City’s radar.

One player who does look likely to move on is 23-year-old Abraham. The Londoner seemed destined for big things and a lengthy Chelsea career after making 34 Premier League appearances in 2019-2020.

But he is now on the peripheries of the first team and started just 12 top-flight games last term, scoring six goals. Thomas Tuchel’s arrival seemed to sound the death knell for the man with six England caps.

And he has been linked with a few clubs since the end of last season. The two most prominent protagonists are Aston Villa and West Ham United.

Villa boss Dean Smith initially seemed keen, only to doubt whether the forward was the right fit for his team. But he appears on the hunt once again, while Hammers manager Davis Moyes has also been credited with an interest.

Reports in Germany have suggested Abraham could have been used as a make weight for Haaland. But now The Telegraph are suggesting that will not happen and the Gunners are interested.

Work to do for Arsenal to land Abraham

It is thought that the former Swansea City loan man is valued at around the £40m mark. And with Marina Granovskaia known to drive a hard bargain, that figure could be tough to reach for the north Londoners.

It is said that Mikel Arteta will need to sell before he can entertain any idea of a big-money signing. That might open the door for other clubs to show their hand for a player whose best years are still ahead.

And it has also been stated that the hitman has also been made available to Serie A champions Inter Milan. Arteta needs help up front as Alexandre Lacazette will be out of contract next summer.

And Eddie Nketiah is expected leave the Emirates this summer. A move to Arsenal makes sense for all parties, with Abraham known to be a boyhood fan of the club.

He still has ambitions to return to the England side but will need regular action to convince Gareth Southgate.

READ MORE: Squad number already handed out as Arsenal close on €17.5m midfielder

 

 

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