West Ham lead four clubs as Chelsea youngster decides it’s time to leave

Reece James, Billy Gilmour, Tammy Abraham, Chelsea

Tammy Abraham has reportedly decided to leave Chelsea this summer – and West Ham lead a long queue of clubs looking to sign the striker.

Abraham is the Blues’ top scorer this season but he missed Sunday’s draw with Manchester United for tactical reasons.

Thomas Tuchel revealed afterwards that the striker would have to either ‘like it or lump it’ as his omission was explained.

But with Chelsea among the clubs eyeing a big-money move for Erling Haaland, Abraham looks set to be heading for the Stamford Bridge exit.

Indeed, the Daily Telegraph reports a change of clubs looks most likely for the 23-year-old this summer.

And it seems the England striker will have no shortage of options were the Blues to agree to his sale.

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Jostling for position at the front of the line to take Abraham are West Ham. Tuesday’s Paper Talk says Abraham is on the Hammers’ three-striker shortlist for the summer. Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Brentford’s Ivan Toney are also being considered.

The Telegraph, however, suggests West Ham could face competition from at least four Premier League rivals. They state Leicester, Southampton, Brighton and Aston Villa will all be keen should Chelsea cash in.


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Tuchel lays down gauntlet to Abraham

With Olivier Giroud preferred in attack against United, Tuchel has challenged Abraham to prove his worth.

“This situation is totally natural, he has to do exactly what he does. Train well, be in a good mood and accept that he is a striker for Chelsea so this is the highest competition in Europe,” said Tuchel.

Tammy Abraham Chelsea warm-up

“When you play for Chelsea, it is a difficult decision I have to take and I am very, very happy when I have to take them because it means everybody is on board.

“This is what you sign up for if you are a player for Chelsea, a coach for Chelsea, that these moments arrive.

“There is no other answer other than to accept it and be there on Monday to fight for your place. I am sure he will do it.”

Abraham’s Chelsea contract runs until 2023. That’s after he activated an extra year in his existing deal at the back-end of last season.

However, the Blues are yet to open talks over an extension. And with two years left come this summer, Chelsea could look to sell the maximise their profit.

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