Admittedly, I have had my doubts over Tammy Abraham in the past. However, the progress he has made since joining Roma is impressive and that is why I believe he is the striker Mikel Arteta should go all out for this summer.
Abraham has gone from strength to strength in the last year and it has made him a better player in the process. He has improved so many parts of his game, from dribbling, work rate and awareness to perhaps the most important thing - finishing. Fifteen goals and four assists in the Serie A while finding the back of the net another eight times in the UEFA Conference League this season says it all.
With Premier League experience already under his belt, the transition to Italy has seen him become stronger while successfully adjusting to a crucial role upfront for Jose Mourinho's side. The England international also offers something Arsenal's frontline current lacks, and that's a strong aerial presence. Standing at 6ft 3ins, Abraham would bring a different option to the attack and finally provide the finishing touch to set pieces or dangerous balls into the box, which often go to waste.
READ MORE: Tammy Abraham and Chelsea's transfer model to secure Arsenal their ideal Aubameyang successor
His strength will also be valuable when it comes to holding up play and bullying defenders when they look to stop him in his tracks, again, it's something Arsenal's current strikers lack. Abraham is also very quick despite his height, which compliments his other traits really well. He can operate as more of a target man, or use his pace to make runs in behind.
Another aspect of his game which appears to have improved under Mourinho is the work rate on and off the ball. This is so important to Mikel Arteta, who demands his players work hard at all times. Abraham seems more confident to run with the ball, beating players in the process, but he will also track back and close the opposition down when required.
If you still need convincing, he is of course homegrown which can be hugely beneficial for the club when it comes to signing other players and maintaining the required balance. Not to mention he would have a great understanding with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah if he ends up staying.
Finally, as I briefly mentioned above, Abraham has already got that valuable Premier League experience which will no doubt prove crucial if a return to England is ever on the cards. It instantly lowers the risk of the move and there wouldn't need to be a lengthy adjustment period, if at all.
Tammy Abraham can be a complete striker at Arsenal and at 24 years of age, will only get better from here. football.london understands Roma will demand around €80m (£68m) for the player should they receive interest this summer, but with all of the above in mind, I'd say that's pretty reasonable.
We asked all our Arsenal writers to have their say on the striker Mikel Arteta and Edu should bring in this summer. And we want your thoughts.
Find out which striker Kaya Kaynak opted for here. For Chris Wheatley's expertise click here. Tom Canton made a different choice, you can read what he said here. And Tashan Deniran-Alleyne went for an Erling Haaland alternative here.
Get involved in the comments below, let us know who you agree with.
