Atalanta and Chelsea have reportedly scheduled a meeting to discuss the prospect of Tammy Abraham’s move to Bergamo. Per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the parties are due to meet within 48 hours to explore the possibility of the Englishman’s permanent switch to Serie A.
After striking an agreement with Inter over the signing of Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea will have to clear the decks to accommodate the new arrival. Abraham, who has tumbled down the pecking order in the wake of Frank Lampard’s departure, is likely to fall victim to the Belgium international’s arrival.
Despite finishing last season as Chelsea’s joint-top scorer, Abraham was handed just 127 minutes of Premier League action under Thomas Tuchel’s tutelage. The Blues deemed the 23-year-old surplus to requirements even before the transfer window was officially open for business, inviting the interested parties to table their offers.
Aston Villa, Everton, and West Ham United were first in line to enquire about Abraham’s availability. However, Chelsea’s £40m valuation of the prodigious forward, coupled with the player’s excessive wage demands, has scared all Premier League suitors off.
It’s understood Chelsea are ready to drive their asking price down as long as it means they won’t be strengthening domestic rivals. Their readiness to negotiate Abraham’s sale with foreigners has paved the way for Atalanta to leapfrog other potential candidates in the transfer race.
The Gewiss Stadium has earned a reputation as one of the best places for cutting rough diamonds over the past few years. Indeed, Bergamo has grown into a factory of talents during Gian Piero Gasperini’s successful tenure.
Atalanta are now an exciting destination for up-and-coming youngsters, and Abraham might not stay immune to Gasperini’s charms. Given that his chances of maintaining his career in the Premier League look improbable at this point, the Englishman could favor a move to Serie A.