Tammy Abraham’s potential transfer destinations – ranked

It’s not often you find yourself top scorer for two consecutive seasons only for your club to show you the door

But that’s the scenario that Tammy Abraham finds himself in.

Following the big-money arrivals of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz at the start of Chelsea’s 2020/21 season, 23-year-old Abraham immediately fell down the pecking order and, although he still managed to match Werner’s goal chart-topping 12 strikes over the course of the campaign, Thomas Tuchel’s mid-season introduction has seen him become an almost forgotten man at Stamford Bridge.

Now it seems the Blues want to cash in on the Englishman for a reported £40m to raise funds in the aim of brining in sensational hitman Erling Haaland, for whom they’re willing to fork out as much as £150m.

It really seems time is up at Chelsea for Abraham; so where could he go? Let’s take a look.

Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro MartinezRomelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez

Romelu Lukaku with Lautaro Martinez / Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images

It has been reported that Chelsea have offered Abraham’s services to Serie A champions Inter, in the potential scenario that the Blues go in for ex-striker Romelu Lukaku.

However, Inter are far from willing to let one of Europe’s most potent attacking threats leave their ranks – and Lukaku is happy at the club, anyway.

Abraham would likely suit Simone Inzaghi’s athletic style of play but, with Lautaro Martinez lining up alongside their Belgian frontman, there may not be too many spaces for regular first-team football.

Suitability: 4/10
Likelihood: 2/10

Overall score: 3/10

Rafael BenitezRafael Benitez

Rafa Benitez is interested in Tammy Abraham, but would he be a suitable fit? / Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

There seems to be a lack of top quality striking options at Everton at the moment and, should Richarlison’s albeit unlikely links to Real Madrid come to be reality, another forward would be a necessity for Rafael Benitez’s side.

Benitez has proven a diverse range of tactics in his career but his quick and direct manner of attacking would suit the tall, strong, and sharp Abraham.

The former Liverpool manager is reported to be interested in the striker’s services and with the club preparing to sell a significant number of players, the financial aspect of the deal wouldn’t be too much of a problem.

However, his similarities to Dominic Calvert-Lewin could could mean the prioritisation of variety in attack may be a better option.

Suitability: 5/10
Likelihood: 4/10

Overall score: 4.5/10

Harry Kane - Soccer PlayerHarry Kane - Soccer Player

Tottenham’s business with incoming strikers will depend on Harry Kane’s future / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Although new reports suggest Nuno Espirito Santo has made Danny Ings his top transfer target to team up with Harry Kane in a two-man attack, Abraham would represent a good option in any case.

The Chelsea striker has demonstrated his versatility up top, showing a knack for linking play while also the ability to turn and run in behind.

Should Kane stay, Abraham would represent a good option to diversify attacking areas at Spurs, while in the likely event that the England captain leaves, Abraham’s potential link-up with Ings could be the start of a fruitful partnership.

Suitability: 6/10
Likelihood: 5/10

Overal score: 5.5/10

Michail Antonio, David MoyesMichail Antonio, David Moyes

David Moyes needs to add to his attacking options / Pool/Getty Images

The Hammers need to build on their firepower.

Michail Antonio is the club’s only recognised striker at this moment in time, opening the door wide open for new attacking arrivals.

The club have been linked with a number of forwards, including Czech sensation Adam Hlozek and Swiss star Breel Embolo. However, Abraham provides experience at the top level of English football and the knack for winning.

His presence up top would undeniably produce good football for David Moyes’ side, giving someone to play off to encourage fluidity and interplay between the striker and the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma in the final third.

One stumbling block may be the finances involved in any potential deal, with Chelsea’s valuation a little steep for West Ham.

Suitability: 7/10
Likelihood: 5/10

Overall score: 6/10

Dean SmithDean Smith

Dean Smith has managed Tammy Abraham before / Clive Mason/Getty Images

The two parties have history.

Abraham spent a magical loan spell at Aston Villa during the 2018/19 season, helping the club to a Championship play-off triumph with a 26-goal haul.

Dean Smith has a gem in Ollie Watkins, although his only other out-and-out striker in the squad is Kienan Davies. Villa have already shown their intent in the transfer window thus far, picking up Emi Buendia under the nose of Arsenal, but have to strengthen in forward areas should they really push on from a very promising campaign last time out.

Abraham provides a different threat to Watkins, and a return to Villa Park wouldn’t go down badly among the supporters – you can be sure of that.

Suitability: 8/10
Likelihood: 7/10

Overall score: 7.5/10

Hibernian v Arsenal - Pre-Season FriendlyHibernian v Arsenal - Pre-Season Friendly

Mikel Arteta needs a better season with Arsenal / Steve Welsh/Getty Images

Abraham would surely be a success at Arsenal.

He would represent a new option to Arteta’s side that could truly make use of the electric runners they boast from wide areas. His tendency to drop deep can open space up in behind, while he also gives a fantastic outlet for crosses into the penalty area.

Furthermore, the 23-year old fully suits the club’s transfer policy – exciting talents with the time to improve and establish themselves as top players at the club, returning the Gunners to their usual Premier League-topping heights.

And what makes this deal close to perfect is the fact that Abraham has a love for the Gunners and used to idolise Thierry Henry in his youth – all seems too good to be true, right?

Well, one possible problem could be the asking price. In true Arsenal fashion, it is still unclear whether the club will be willing to meet Chelsea’s £40m valuation.

Although, surely it’s worth it?

Suitability: 8/10
Likelihood: 7/10

Overall score: 7.5/10

Erling HalandErling Haland

Erling Haaland’s future is still not decided / Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Borussia Dortmund have already confirmed that they won’t accept Abraham as a makeweight in any swap deal for Haaland, but that shouldn’t distract from the fact that BVB need another striker.

Even if Haaland remains for another season, his period of injury midway through the 2020/21 campaign should be proof enough that their squad depth in the area is simply not enough.

The goal machine’s injury-enforced absence throughout December of 2020 saw BVB win just one out of four, drop out of the Champions League places and struggle to get back in for the remainder of the campaign, and sack Lucein Favre – yeah, it’s telling.

With only teenage sensation Youssoufa Moukoko as backup, Abraham should not be an option overlooked. Any striker containing a prolific streak and capable of producing real quality in his game – who is being offloaded by his club – should be considered a gift in Dortmund’s situation, even if it may set them back around £40m.

On the flip side, the Bundesliga – and often Borussia Dortmund – has been a haven for young players to thrive. Abraham would suit BVB’s collective and direct style and, as we’ve seen with Jude Bellingham, a return to the England squad could be in reach sooner rather than later should he adapt to German life quickly.

Suitability: 9/10
Likelihood: 6/10

Overall score: 7.5/10

Juventus’ first ten matches of the Serie A season – graded on difficulty

After nine successive Serie A titles, a fourth-placed finish in the 2020/21 campaign simply was not the ticket for Juventus.

It was nowhere near the domestic domination the Old Lady has become accustomed to over the past decade and, as a result, the gamble that was Andrea Pirlo was swiftly moved on.

Now Massimiliano Allegri who, during his previous spell with the club between 2014 and 2019, picked up five of the nine straight Scudettos – and made two Champions League finals – is back at the helm and will look to restore Juve’s crown.

The start of the season is often – although not always – a very good indication at how a club’s season is going to pan out, so let’s take a look at the Old Lady’s first ten Serie A matches of the 2021/22 season and grade them on difficulty.

Luca GottiLuca Gotti

Udinese head coach Luca Gotti / Nicolò Campo/Getty Images

It’s never ideal starting your campaign away from home but, on paper, Allegri’s side will be big favourites for their opener at Udinese.

Luca Gotti guided the club to a measly 14th-place finish last term and, after main man Rodrigo De Paul’s departure to Atletico Madrid, they shouldn’t be a threat to any of the top teams this time around.

There’s always an air of optimism on opening day, but Allegri should be able to see his men to victory to kick things off.

Difficulty: 4/10

Aurelio AndreazzoliAurelio Andreazzoli

Aurelio Andreazzoli will take charge of Empoli this season / Nicolò Campo/Getty Images

Always be weary of those who have just earned promotion to the top flight, although Juventus can probably consider this one safe.

Empoli finished as Serie B champions last term but, after seeing a number of loaned players returning to parent clubs and having manager Alessio Dionisi poached by Sassuolo, it could be a tough season.

Allegri will be keen to kick things off with a bang, and a home tie to newly-promoted Empoli could provide him with it.

Difficulty: 2/10

Luciano SpallettiLuciano Spalletti

Luciano Spalletti is the new face in charge of Napoli / Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Points in their opening two fixtures could be key as they face significantly more threatening opposition on matchday three.

Gennaro Gattuso may have only led the Neapolitan side to a fifth-placed finish last time around, but new coach Luciano Spalletti has experience working in the top flight.

The 62-year old has earned seven honours across spells at Roma and Zenit St. Petersburg and has previously been awarded the Serie A coach of the years ward on two occasions.

Juventus should be regarded as favourites for the tie, but expect this Napoli side to present more fierce competition than before.

Difficulty: 7/10

AC Milan Training SessionAC Milan Training Session

Stefano Pioli in Milan training / Claudio Villa/Getty Images

The Old Lady will be presented with two tough Serie A fixtures on the bounce in the early stages of this upcoming campaign.

Following a trip to Napoli is a tie with Milan, who Stefano Pioli led to a second-placed finish last season. There is clearly a lot of progression being made at Milan and, while the club have lost the formidable on-field and off-field presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, their business so far this window has been impressive.

I Rossoneri have brought in the excellent Mike Maignan to replace the Italian number one, made the loans of Sandro Tonali and Fikayo Tomori permanent, and also acquired the services of Olivier Giroud.

They are threatening, and are clearly keen to build even further upon a promising season last time out.

Difficulty: 7/10

Vincenzo ItalianoVincenzo Italiano

Spezia manager Vincenzo Italiano / Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Things get a bit simpler for Juve on matchday five.

Vincenzo Italiano led Spezia to a 15th-placed finish last term and, without really building on their squad thus far in the transfer window, they will doubtfully push for anything more this campaign.

Spezia had the worst defensive record aside from the relegated teams last campaign, so it’s an opportunity for a potent Juve attack to put themselves on the scoring leader board early on in the season.

Difficulty: 2/10

Mikkel DamsgaardMikkel Damsgaard

Will Mikkel Damsgaard stay at Sampdoria? / Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Sampdoria are still yet to replace Claudio Ranieri as manager, but whoever takes over will have a chance of achieving something special.

The club have a nice blend of experienced quality and exciting youthful spark, with which a ninth-placed finish was achieved last campaign.

The squad have had time to blend further and, after Mikkel Damsgaard’s coming-of-age showing at Euro 2020, they have a particularly special starlet in their ranks – should he stay, of course.

They’ll be hopeful of presenting an outside threat to those further up the table this season, although with the experience of Allegri at the helm Juve should see these types of fixtures out.

Difficulty: 6/10

Ivan JuricIvan Juric

Ivan Juric will take over at Torino / Nicolò Campo/Getty Images

2021/22 should be a year of rebuilding for Torino. After narrowly escaping relegation by finishing 17th with just 37 points to their name and changing managers midway through the season, there’s a chance for new face Ivan Juric to take the club into a new era.

The Croatian had done impressive work at Hellas Verona since 2019, achieving ninth and tenth-placed finishes despite one of the league’s smallest budgets.

He’ll have more quality to work with at Torino and, as a result, could bring them back to loftier heights – not one to write off for the likes of Juventus this season.

Difficulty: 6/10

Josè MourinhoJosè Mourinho

Jose Mourinho takes a Roma training session / Luciano Rossi/Getty Images

Who knows how Roma’s season will pan out?

Jose Mourinho could recreate his first-season magic and win the league, or disappoint the feverishly excited fanbase with dull football that leaves them struggling for European qualification – whatever happens, it should be fun as an outsider.

The Portuguese is already making his mark on the club and there seems to be a lot of speculation regarding incoming players to what is already a very strong squad.

Mourinho is no doubt a pragmatic coach and can get the best out of squads – depending on momentum, Roma could feasibly be a dangerous prospect for the likes of Juventus.

Difficulty: 8/10

Simone InzaghiSimone Inzaghi

Simone Inzaghi is the new face in the Inter dugout / Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

As a title chasing club before the start of the campaign, it’s hard to know whether it’s better to travel to the reigning champions early in the season or later.

And, depending on how Allegri’s men start, this fixture could come at the perfect time. Under the Italian manager, Juve have been much more used to blistering starts to the season than not, so they may be relieved to get this one out of the way.

Let’s not sugarcoat it, though. This will be one of – if not, the – most challenging tests for any side to face during the upcoming campaign and while Antonio Conte won’t be overseeing proceedings any longer, Inter are still a formidable side.

Difficulty: 10/10

Alessio DionisiAlessio Dionisi

Former Empoli manager Alessio Dionisi will take charge of Sassuolo this season / Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

As previously mentioned, last season’s Serie B title-winning manager Dionisi will be at the helm for Sassuolo’s 2021/22 campaign.

The club have had very steady progression over the past few years but, after two consecutive eight-placed finishes, it’s a tall order to continue the journey in the right direction for the former Empoli boss.

They’re an attacking side with exciting players – including three Euro 2020 winners in the young Giacomo Raspadori, skilful Domenico Berardi, and tenacious Manuel Locatelli (although he could be on the way out) – but likely won’t be able to challenge those European-chasing sides just yet.

And, with Juventus’ quality, the Old Lady will expect to head into matchday 11 on the back of a victory.

Difficulty: 5/10

Raul Jimenez makes long-awaited return to Wolves starting lineup

Wolverhampton Wanderers star Raul Jimenez makes his long-awaited return to first-team action on Saturday afternoon, eight months after undergoing emergency surgery on a fractured skull in November 2020.

The 30-year-old suffered the terrible injury during his side’s clash with Arsenal on November 29, and he’s had to be patient on his road to recovery, having been forced to miss the remainder of the season due to the collision.

But Saturday’s friendly with Crewe Alexandra marks a special occasion for Wolves fans and their star striker, after it was revealed that Jimenez would start his first match for the club since that horrific incident.

The Mexican star lines up alongside starlet Fabio Silva in attack, the man who tried to fill Jimenez’s boots during a difficult campaign for both the player and the team. Wolves struggled to compete without their talisman’s firepower up top, sliding down the Premier League table to eventually finish in 13th place.

That saw coach Nuno Espirito Santo part ways with the club, triggering the arrival of new boss Bruno Lage. Lage will be delighted to have Jimenez at his disposal for pre-season, giving the former Benfica forward plenty of time to build up match fitness ahead of the new campaign.

And for Jimenez himself, it will be a great relief to step out onto the pitch once again, after suffering an injury which many feared would bring his career to a premature end. The striker clashed heads with Arsenal star David Luiz five minutes into the match in November 2020, and had to be rushed to hospital due to his perilous condition.

Fortunately, Jimenez recovered following some major surgery on his fractured skull, even returning to light training towards the end of last season. He is now back in Wolves’ starting lineup, and ready to get back to scoring goals for his club.

Achraf Hakimi in isolation after testing positives for Covid-19

Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for Covid-19 little more than a week after sealing his move to Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.

The Morocco international was expected to make his second appearance for Les Parisiens in their pre-season friendly against Chambly on Saturday, but was absent from Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.

Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for coronavirusAchraf Hakimi has tested positive for coronavirus

Achraf Hakimi has tested positive for coronavirus / Nicolò Campo/Getty Images

While fellow new signings Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma were also absent following their participation at Euro 2020, Nathan Bitumazala’s inclusion at right-back came as something as a surprise given Hakimi had started their first pre-season outing against Le Mans on Wednesday.

RMC have now revealed that Hakimi tested positive for coronavirus prior to PSG’s clash with Chambly and is subsequently being forced to endure a period of self-isolation.

There’s been no official word from the club on Hakimi’s positive test but his participation in their Trophee des Champions clash against Ligue 1 champions Lille on August 1 is now under threat.

Pochettino’s side were denied their second win in two games against Chambly thanks to Boubacari Doucoure’s late equaliser.

Mauro Icardi had handed his side the lead from the penalty spot in the first half before midfielder Guillaume Heinry equalised shortly after half time.

Xavi Simons’ goal midway through the second half looked to have secured the win for PSG, but their 100% record in pre-season so far was ended thanks to Doucoure’s 89th-minute strike.

Hakimi wasn’t the only notable summer signing omitted from the team sheet, with Sergio Ramos also failing to feature for the Ligue 1 outfit.

The Spanish defender recently signed a two-year deal in the French capital having brought to an end his glittering 16-year stay at Real Madrid, but so far he hasn’t made an appearance for the club.

Pochettino is yet to comment on the centre-back’s absence, but PSG fans will be hoping they get the chance to see their new man in action in the coming weeks as their side prepare to face Augsburg and Genoa before the annual French season curtain raiser against Lille.

Man Utd looking competent in the transfer market is a refreshing boost for fans

Manchester United could have three new signings that will genuinely improve crucial parts of the squad by the time the whole squad is back in training following delayed summer holidays.

Completion of Jadon Sancho’s arrival will be announced soon, with the 21-year-old undergoing a medical in recent days and posing for official photographs. Serious progress is being made to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, while a deal for Kieran Trippier also looks increasingly likely.

As a specialist winger, Sancho fills a void on the right flank that has persisted since at least 2015 when Antonio Valencia was repurposed as a full-back. Varane, meanwhile, is the long-term partner for Harry Maguire that United have been craving, and Trippier would offer something different at right-back, as well as much needed depth and competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

United fans aren’t used to a competent and efficient recruitment department after the transfer fiascos of recent years, so in many ways this has come as a refreshing surprise.

Harry MaguireHarry Maguire

Man Utd often haven’t been this good at getting deals done, as the protracted Harry Maguire saga showed / Pool/Getty Images

The post-Sir Alex Ferguson has seen United stumble and labour in the transfer market. It is eight years since Ed Woodward left the pre-season tour of Australia to attend to ‘urgent transfer business’ and supporters are still waiting for an update on that deal eight years later.

Jokes aside, United officials have badly struggled to get deals over the line, seemingly every year.

There were failed attempts to land Cesc Fabregas and Gareth Bale in 2013, while much time was wasted barking up the wrong tree by pursuing Sergio Ramos in 2015. On deals that did happen, the club badly overpaid for Marouane Fellaini after approaching the situation all wrong, and not enough due diligence was done on how the likes of Angel Di Maria or Alexis Sanchez would fit in.

Successive managers, each with their own ideas and transfer preferences, and the lack of an overarching policy also proved counterproductive and unnecessarily expensive for years.

Ed WoodwardEd Woodward

Ed Woodward has taken a lot of blame for Man Utd’s poor recruitment decisions & execution / Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

Things have changed significantly since 2019, coinciding with the permanent appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The scouting process was revamped and the recruitment department restructured, with ongoing improvement leading to the more recent promotions of Darren Fletcher and John Murtough to the roles of technical director and football director respectively.

Actual negotiations still proved tricky. United wasted months prevaricating when it came to meeting Leicester’s asking price for Harry Maguire, costing time to pursue other necessary targets and setting back the squad’s development. There were similar issues when it came to trying to buy Jadon Sancho last summer, although the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the club’s finances at least offered some mitigation in that sense.

United were able to wrap up early deals for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James in 2019, but the former was never expected to be complicated and the latter was only intended to be a fringe player.

This year, however, feels different. United will have Sancho at the earliest opportunity as he will be a United player by the time he finishes his holiday that was delayed by his participation at Euro 2020. The same could soon also be true for Trippier and Varane, who is rumoured to want his future sorted soon so he doesn’t have to go through the motions of reporting for duty in Madrid.

Raphael VaraneRaphael Varane

Raphael Varane is increasingly likely to join Man Utd this summer / Denis Doyle/Getty Images

With the framework of a good squad already in place, which makes this summer different from 2016 and 2017, and up to three new signings potentially in training by the end of the first week in August, ahead of the Premier League season, United will be better prepared to mount a title challenge than they have been in close to a decade. There is even still time for extra business before the deadline.

Fans can’t help to get excited by it all.

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