How Jose Mourinho contributed to Arsenal's transfer window
James Shearman
- Updated: 15 Sept 2022 15:36 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal were interested in former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham before he moved to Jose Mourinho's Roma last summer.
Abraham starred in Frank Lampard's side in the 2019-20 season, scoring 15 times in 34 Premier League appearances.
But the England international fell out of favour under Thomas Tuchel and was placed upon the transfer list.
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Abraham was then subject to interest from Arsenal, according to Caught Offside, before he ultimately chose to link up with ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho in Rome for £34 million.
The 24-year-old has found his goalscoring form in Italy, netting 17 times in Serie A last season.
And journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Abraham is happy to stay at the Stadio Olimpico for the foreseeable future.
"Abraham is more than happy in Rome, with the club, the city, and with Jose Mourinho," he said.
Yet, despite his impressive performances, Arsenal will be thankful to Mourinho for signing Abraham, as they have since ended up with a better forward themselves.
How Jose Mourinho contributed to Arsenal's transfer window
Tammy Abraham is a Premier League proven striker, one that would have helped Arsenal in last season's push for the Champions league places.
But in missing out on him, and sticking with their existing forward line for another campaign, the opportunity arose this summer to sign Gabriel Jesus as their 'number nine'.
Paulo Dybala and Tammy Abraham are really shaping up to be a quality duo.
There when Roma needs them most. pic.twitter.com/I2Au6FLsiz— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 12, 2022
And while Jesus' best Premier League goal tally to date is only 14, he is clearly a better option to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian's goal record is still impressive, given he was often backing up Sergio Aguero or played on the wing at Manchester City.
But the biggest difference to Abraham is in his all-round game; Jesus' eight assists in the 2021-22 season indicate how well he can create chances for others.
Their goal outputs may have been similar in an Arsenal shirt, but the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli will benefit far more from playing with Jesus than Abraham.
