Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes Aston Villa are in pole position to sign Chelsea’s struggling striker Tammy Abraham ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
The 23-year-old striker has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival, starting just two Premier League games under the German and being withdrawn at halftime on both occasions.
Abraham’s lack of action has led to speculation that the England international could depart the capital club over the coming months, with Football Insider claiming Villa are locked in a battle with Wolves for the striker’s signature.
However, in an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, former Villa midfielder Hendrie stated his belief that Dean Smith’s men have the advantage over their Midlands rivals thanks to Abraham’s season-long loan at Villa Park in 2018/19.
He said: “The connection with Villa, I’d be surprised if he didn’t choose Villa over Wolves if I’m quite honest.
“I just feel that when you’ve played at a football club and you know the foundation, you know what you’re getting into. And I know the fans love him and he’s got a great rapport with the fans.”
TIF Thoughts on Abraham’s future…
Abraham enjoyed a successful 12-month stint with Villa a couple of seasons back, bagging 25 Championship goals as he helped secure promotion back to the Premier League.
After impressing back at Chelsea in 2019/20 under Frank Lampard’s tutelage, the striker has found himself fall down the pecking under Tuchel, with Timo Werner and Kai Havertz being preferred through the middle.
A move away from his boyhood club may be on the cards for the £36m rated man (as per Transfermarkt) this summer, and Villa appears to be a logical destination.
In other news: “What Villa need” – Exclusive: Hendrie urges AVFC move for ace Micah Richards called a “delight”