Jack Grealish agrees with Rio Ferdinand on Chelsea’s £40m star as transfer decision looms


The last few days have been dominated by speculation over Tammy Abraham’s future at Chelsea.

The 23-year-old is valued at around £40million, according to the Telegraph – with the same outlet reporting Arsenal’s interest in the England striker.

Other reports from England suggest that Chelsea could use Abraham in a deal to try and sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

However, West Ham United and Aston Villa are also said to be keen on swooping for the centre-forward, who found the net 12 times in all competitions throughout the 2020/21 campaign.

Those 12 goals saw him lead – alongside Timo Werner – the Blues’ goal scoring charts last term, but Thomas Tuchel does not seem to fancy the striker.


Video Loading

Video Unavailable

He has featured just seven times under the German coach since taking over in January, and according to The Athletic, Tuchel does not view Abraham as someone that can help Chelsea mount a serious title challenge next season, meaning he could be sold before the new campaign begins.

It seems that Abraham is not short of possible suitors – and admirers as well, for that matter – with Rio Ferdinand and Jack Grealish both waxing lyrical about him in the past.

Ferdinand was so impressed with him in October 2019, when Chelsea beat Lille 2-1 in the Champions League, that he compared him to Blues icon Didier Drogba.

“I saw elements in Tammy’s game today that I hadn’t seen as much that I’d have liked to,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

“His hold-up play, coming to the ball and bringing others into play.

“First half, one ball went up to him, Didier Drogba-esque, chests it down for someone, runs on for the next phase – I think he’s developing nicely.

“He’s scoring goals, he’s scoring different types of goals and I think he’s a threat.”

Grealish, meanwhile, played with Abraham when the Chelsea man was on loan at Aston Villa for the 2018/19 season, with the English striker netting 25 times in 37 Championship games.

The Villa captain, who starred for England in their recent Euro 2020 campaign, admitted he could not believe the levels Abraham showcased during his time with the Midlands club.

In a Q&A session on his Instagram, Grealish wrote this about Abraham: “Unbelievable. Couldn’t believe how good he was with the ball for how tall he is. Loved playing with him.”

Do you want an exclusive pre-season Chelsea preview – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy!





Source link