West Ham United lead transfer race for Tammy Abraham as cut price bid could be accepted
West Ham are leading the race to sign Tammy Abraham during the transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian paper reported via their website on 11 June that the Hammers are ahead of Aston Villa and, further behind, Tottenham, as suitors for the Roma striker this summer.
His asking price is said to be €30million [£25.3m] but the Serie A side may end up accepting an offer as low as €22m [£18.6] because he currently counts as being worth €16m [£13.5m] on their accounts due to amortisation.
It is seen as almost certain that the former Chelsea forward’s future lies back in the Premier League since negotiating an extension to his deal, where he earns €6m [£5.01m] a year, in the Italian capital is practically out of the question.
Aston Villa and Tottenham rival West Ham for former Chelsea man
The Hammers clearly need to add more goals up front as Julen Lopetegui comes in to replace David Moyes, with the options in attack sparse.
Gianluca Scamacca was never replaced last summer, despite extensive links to a number of targets, and Danny Ings’ lack of production left Michail Antonio, 34, the top option once again.
Abraham’s serious injury, which kept him out for all but 12 appearances last season, obviously make it a risk to commit major money to him.
Similarly he has blown hot and cold in front of goal from season to season throughout his career and his now two campaign’s removed from scoring 27 times in all competitions under Jose Mourinho at Roma.
At the same time he is an England international – three goals in 11 caps – who has Premier League experience – 26 goals in 89 games – and should be entering his prime at 26.
Those factors suggest a fee below £19m might be a bargain if he can fully rebound from his injury lay-off under Lopetegui.
Given the context the Irons may well need to sign two strikers this term so that price would make it a lot easier to afford another one, especially when it is going to cost far more for Atletico Madrid’s 20-year-old Samu Omorodion after the club’s bid was rejected.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have tabled an improved long-term contract on the table for a player that Lopetegui wants.
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