Arsenal could gain an unlikely ally in their pursuit of Tammy Abraham, with Newcastle United preparing a double transfer swoop. Abraham has emerged as a target for the Gunners, who are looking to upgrade their attacking options this summer.
Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to fire last season, leaving Mikel Arteta to look to the market for a new hitman.
The former is also entering the final year of his contract and has produced the goals expected of his hefty price tag.
Aubameyang meanwhile is better-placed when selected out wide, potentially leaving a space in Arteta’s squad for a new forward.
Abraham would certainly provide Arteta with a more clinical focal point, with the Englishman having been one of Chelsea’s top scorers of the last two seasons.
But after Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as Blues boss, Abraham fell out of Chelsea’s first-team plans, appearing in just four of their final 16 Premier League games.
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That is because the Magpies are reportedly hoping to sign two of Arsenal’s fringe players as Steve Bruce looks to boost his squad this summer.
According to The Athletic, Bruce is hoping to raid the Gunners for former loan hero Joe Willock as well as Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Willock starred at St James’ Park after joining Newcastle on loan for the second half of last season, developing a reputation for scoring key goals.
With Willock not appearing to be in Arteta’s plans for the upcoming season, he could again be allowed to leave.
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Newcastle are the clear frontrunners to sign him following his role in their successful survival bid last season.
Maitland-Niles meanwhile, also spent last season out loan, with the Englishman being sent to West Brom.
He became a regular at the Hawthorns despite their relegation from the top-flight, with The Athletic stating a move to Newcastle is likely.
If Arteta is able to offload Willock and Maitland-Niles, he could raise enough funds to bring in Abraham, with even a loan move for the duo able to command a fee.
