Aston Villa journalist Ashley Preece has been sharing his thoughts on a potential move from the Midlands club for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham during the upcoming summer transfer window.
This comes after Preece made an appearance on a recent episode of the Birmingham Mail’s Claret & Blue Podcast where he spoke about a range of topics concerning Dean Smith’s side.
On the subject of the possibility of Villa targeting a striker this summer, Preece was asked who he thinks the club should look to sign, to which he gave this response about Abraham in particular.
He said: “I think he needs rescuing from Chelsea, he’s not wanted to be honest with you, that’s the brutal truth. Thomas Tuchel isn’t playing him at all, he needs to come back to a place where he’s adored so I think that deal makes sense, total sense to me. I think [Dean] Smith, [Christian] Purslow and co will have a look at that if that can happen.
“He’s not getting a look-in at Chelsea so hopefully, Villa’s relations with Chelsea have been okay, the [Ross] Barkley deal went well initially so that’s a conversation to have.
“Three things have to align, the player, the selling club and the agent so we’ll see but I think Tammy Abraham, that’s a standout deal for me, I think if that can be done, I think Villa should snap their hands off, he’s still young, he’s still got his prime to come into.
“He’s Chelsea’s top goalscorer and he isn’t playing so I’d get him in. He’s mates with everyone there, Jack Grealish he’s big buddies with, [John] McGinn [as well], he’s played there before, he’s loved here so I think that works well, it’s a perfect match for me.”
TIF Thoughts on Ashley Preece’s comments on a potential summer move for Abraham…
Abraham spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa Park from Chelsea, the season where they managed to win promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.
During his season on loan with the Villans, the 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £36 million, managed to rack up 26 goals in 40 appearances in their Championship campaign (per Transfermarkt).
Given how Abraham has only made four appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League under Thomas Tuchel this season without completing a full 90 minutes once, there is a suspicion that he may not be in favour with the German, even though he has been out of action with an ankle injury for a period.
Also, given how it was reported by The Athletic last month that Abraham’s future at Chelsea is up in the air, this could potentially give Villa the opportunity to swoop in and sign the striker this summer — which Preece seems to be hoping for.
Should Tammy Abraham be Villa's number one target this summer?
No
Yes
In our view, if Abraham would be guaranteed more game time at Villa than he would be at Chelsea, then he should seriously consider a permanent return to Villa Park this summer for the benefit of his career.
In other news: ‘A missed opportunity’ – AVFC journalist slams ‘strange’ Dean Smith decision at Liverpool