Roma are considering signing one of two rumoured Arsenal targets to replace Inter Milan-bound Edin Dzeko in Tammy Abraham and Alexander Isak, according to Calciomercato.
The Serie A side have begun the search for the Bosnian’s successor with his exit almost inevitable. Jose Mourinho has not taken the striker’s move well and wants CEO Tiago Pinto to now find another player as capable of leading the Giallorossi’s attacking line this season.
Pinto is particularly interested in testing the Premier League waters with a bid for Abraham with Romelu Lukaku potentially returning. Atalanta also like the Chelsea forward if Duvan Zapata leaves, but would struggle to cover his €3.5m-a-year (£57k-p/w) contract.
Chelsea would also demand €35m (£30m) to sell Abraham to Roma with rival interest from Arsenal and Atalanta. Too much for Roma owner and President Dan Friedkin to pay, leaving Isak – another rumoured Arsenal target – an option.
Reports by Cadena Ser in June claimed Arsenal had opened talks with Isak’s agent over a move from Real Sociedad. AS soon backed up those claims, while adding the Swedish star was one of Edu’s top targets and would do anything to sign the striker if he wanted to join.
But Isak then penned a new contract in July, that El Desmarque noted saw Real Sociedad increase his release clause. Now, the La Liga outfit can demand €90m (£76.5m) rather than €70m (£59.5m) to sell their Euro 2020 star.
But Calciomercato expect Real Sociedad would sell Isak for around the same as Chelsea want for Abraham. And as the 21-year-old’s wage would be considerably less, Friedkin has not ruled out a move.
Other alternatives include Mauro Icardi, but PSG would have to grant a loan, plus Gianluca Scamacca and Andrea Belotti.
Mourinho to deny Edu with Roma move for Arsenal target Isak?
Isak shone in La Liga last season to catch Arsenal’s attention, but Mourinho could now deny Edu with Roma bidding. The 26-cap international would offer the Portuguese the hold-up presence the Giallorossi would lack in their attack without Dzeko.
That is also an area Edu needs to solve in Mikel Arteta’s squad before the summer transfer window closes. Arsenal lack a striker to play off and build from, while also finding the back of the net regularly.
Isak scored 17 in 34 La Liga appearances last season and assisted twice in four Euro 2020 outings this summer. And if Real Sociedad will sell for around £30m, rather than his near-£60m release clause, Arsenal may revive their approach to beat Roma to signing Isak.
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