According to Calciomercato, Arsenal have offered Alexandre Lacazette to Roma as they try to win the race to sign Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham.
What’s the story?
Well, this is an extremely interesting transfer saga, to say the least.
José Mourinho’s Roma have agreed a €5m (£4.2m) loan deal with Chelsea, before purchasing Abraham outright for €35m (£29.6m) next summer.
However, the 23-year-old would prefer to stay in London and join Arsenal, after being frozen out by Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea would, understandably, prefer to sell their No.9 to Roma instead of a direct rival – however, Arsenal have a trick up their sleeve.
The Gunners have offered Lacazette to Roma, in the hope that they will take the Frenchman and drop their interest in Abraham.
It’s a bold move, but if it comes off, it will be hailed as genius by Edu.
Why would Roma take Alexandre Lacazette?
With all due respect to the Frenchman after his 17 goals last season, why would Mourinho choose him over Abraham?
The England international is seven years younger than Arsenal’s No.9, and would be a much better long-term investment for Roma.
Roma would also have to deal with his huge £182,063-a-week wages, whereas Abraham is said to want €5m-a-season (£80,769-a-week).
It’s a flimsy negotiating tactic from the Gunners. If it works, then that’s great.
However, we don’t believe it will, and Arsenal will only end up wasting more time in the market.
If they really want Abraham – who has been described as a goal machine – Arsenal need to do more than simply distract their transfer rivals with the offer of deadwood.
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