Arsenal enter race to sign striker with 26 Premier League goals

Chelsea fans will likely see a new man leading the line at Stamford Bridge next season, with the Blues desperately chasing a world class number nine to fix the goalscoring problems that hampered them in the league last term. 

Veteran forward Olivier Giroud looks set to depart the club, with Serie A side AC Milan reported to be his next destination.

The Frenchman has enjoyed three successful seasons with Chelsea, winning an FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League during his time in West London.

The French striker scored just four league goals in 14 league games last season, but did score crucial goals on the Blues’ run to a second Champions League triumph.

Chelsea’s other recognised striker, Tammy Abraham, endured a season of two halves, with the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in January pushing the Englishman out of favour.

Abraham, who still managed to score 12 goals across all competitions and has 26 career Premier League strikes, now looks to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, and a fellow London club have come calling.

According to The Telegraph, the 23-year-old is now being pursued by Arsenal.

The report suggests that Arsenal are keen on signing the English striker, as part of Mikel Arteta’s squad overhaul this summer.

Abraham had reportedly been offered to both Tottenham and Inter Milan, as bait to try to encourage deals for Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku respectively.

Abraham scored 12 goals in all competitions last season.

Abraham, who has finished both of the last two seasons as Chelsea’s top scorer across all competitions, has reportedly had a £40 million price tag attached to him by his current employers.

That fee was enough to deter previous potential suitors West Ham United, who withdrew their interest.

Now, it appears that London rivals Arsenal could be Abraham’s next destination, with the Gunners potentially looking to replace Alexandre Lacazette.

The French striker is reportedly deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates, and could be sold this summer to fund part of the club’s summer spending spree.

While it is not yet known whether Chelsea would be willing to sell to such a fierce rival, the possibility of playing at another of England’s top clubs could prove tempting for the young forward.