Chelsea retain interest in bringing back Manchester United-linked Tammy Abraham

Chelsea are reportedly considering a summer shock to re-sign academy graduate Tammy Abraham – just two years after the forward’s sale.

The 25-year-old centre-forward joined Italy side Roma in a £34m deal in August 2021 and has since scored 34 goals in 86 games.

Abraham made history in his inaugural season by scoring the most goal by an Englishman in a single Serie A season with 17 goals.

Before leaving, Abraham had scored 30 times for the Blues and was the club’s top scorer in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.

And according to The Athletic, Chelsea have retained interest in the England international after reluctantly parting ways with the player.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is a target for Chelsea but talkSPORT reckons the Serie A leaders would demand in excess of £100m.

Abraham would therefore be a cheaper alternative for the Nigerian shooter, although the report adds that Chelsea included a £70.8million buyback option in the ex-Aston Villa loan star’s contract when he joined the Giallorossi.

And the fact that Abraham retains his status as a homegrown player makes him an attractive option for Chelsea.

But The Athletic have revealed Chelsea face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United in the battle to oust Abraham from the Stadio Olimpico.

Red Devils scouts have been present at Roma games this season to see him in action.

However, Chelsea have an initial refusal to Abraham, with Roma obliged to inform them if a potential suitor fulfills his buyback clause.

Graham Potter has identified a striker as a top priority in the summer, with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Kai Havertz flattering to deceive.

It remains to be seen what future Romelu Lukaku has at Stamford Bridge as the Belgian is keen to convert his loan spell at Inter Milan into a permanent move.

Chelsea are understood to have agreed a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku at the end of the season.

But Chelsea are keen to strengthen their front line as Armando Broja has been out for the season since December with a knee injury, while David Datro Fofana is not yet ready to lead the line.

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