Atalanta have suffered a setback in their bid to sign Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, as Tuttosport report they cannot afford the rumoured Arsenal and West Ham target’s wage.
The Serie A side are striving to snap up a handful of late window signings for manager Gian Piero Gasperini. But their deals likely hinge on who leaves the Gewiss Stadium, with Merih Demiral joining to replace Cristian Romero.
Atalanta would like to acquire Abraham to replace Duvan Zapata, should Inter Milan step up their pursuit of the Colombian. The Nerazzurri have offered €40m (£34m) as they seek to secure Romelu Lukaku’s successor, but La Dea want €60m (£51m).
Most of what Atalanta make from selling Zapata to Inter would go towards replacing the 15-goals and 10-assists he offered in the Serie A last season. Chelsea are noted as wanting €40-50m (£34-£42.5m) for Abraham, whose wage would also be problematic.
Atalanta cannot afford to match Abraham’s €4m-a-year (£65k-p/w) alleged salary, as the value is beyond their wage structure. La Dea’s difficulties offer Arsenal and West Ham hope of signing Abraham, though, as reports note both also want him.
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal and West Ham are both monitoring Abraham’s situation at Chelsea ahead of the new top-flight campaign. Southampton have approached the Blues, as well, after selling Danny Ings to Aston Villa, but saw their loan request rejected.
Villa wanted Abraham before acquiring Ings, with The Sun noting they, plus Arsenal and West Ham, refused to pay £40m. The British tabloid note their actions forced the Stamford Bridge natives to lessen their demands to £35m for the 23-year-old striker.
Atalanta posed serious threat to Arsenal and West Ham in Abraham race
Arsenal and West Ham will be glad to see Atalanta face setbacks in their pursuit of Chelsea forward Abraham. The Serie A side posed a serious threat to the London rivals, as La Dea held three significant advantages.
Reports by Gianluca Di Marzio claim Chelsea would rather sell Abraham to a foreign side to avoid strengthening a rival. Atalanta are willing to pay €40m (£34m), as well. While the England striker is also interested in joining La Dea as they play Champions League football.
But Abraham may have to shelve his UEFA ambitions if his future is away from Chelsea but not at Atalanta. Allowing Arsenal and West Ham to, potentially, sign Abraham, who Tyrone Mings claims has ‘such good feet’, via Sky Sports.
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