ARSENAL gave it their best shot when trying to lure Tammy Abraham from Chelsea before Roma boss Jose Mourinho came along.

The Gunners were in pole position to sign the 23-year-old but the transfer was hijacked at the last minute by old foe and ex-Blues boss Mourinho, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It seemed like a match made in heaven as Abraham allegedly wanted to stay in the Premier League rather move abroad.

But Arsenal were trying to stall the striker so they could get rid of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, Romano claims.

He told the Here We Go podcast, reported by the Express: "They were trying to convince the player and to take his time before joining Roma.

"Because they were looking to sell maybe Lacazette or maybe Eddie Nketiah to have a free slot for a new striker with Tammy Abraham.

“They were really interested, in talks with the agent, but they were prepared to make a proposal.

"But they were needing to sell a striker before signing Tammy Abraham.

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"They were really, really pushing and pushing, they were trying in every possible way."

Arsenal had even tried to derail Roma's interest in Abraham by offering them Lacazette on loan.

But the deal never materialised and Mourinho pressed ahead in his pursuit of Abraham, who was the Blues joint top scorer last season.

In the end, Abraham couldn't wait any longer and completed his switch to join Mourinho's Roma revolution for £34million.

And Abraham's career at the club got off to a flying start as he provided two assists on his debut, much to the delight of the Roma fans who gave him a standing ovation for his contribution.

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