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As is tradition in transfer window times, chaos ensues as conflicting reports take over the sporting news sections. This time, it envolves our own Tammy Abraham, currently enjoying a very prolific loan stint at Aston Villa.
According to a report from the Express and Star (grains of salt loading), Wolverhampton have turned their attentions to Abraham as his 16 goals in 20 Championship appearances have become quite difficult to ignore. Here, they say that the club are still preparing a bid for the striker with views of taking him away from the Villans, and consequently hamper their bid for promotion from England’s second-level league.
I understand Wolves are very interested in signing Tammy Abraham this month. He's scored 16 in 20 for Villa. #wwfc https://t.co/bqZJIS38y4
— Tim Spiers (@tim_spiers_Star) January 2, 2019
The tabloids, however, decided to take this up a notch. The Sun started it all by claiming that Chelsea had already accepted a £18 million bid from Wolves for the 21-year-old striker. While the Mail were not as incisive, by saying that the club have made a six-month loan bid that includes a £18 million buying option.
Wolves make loan bid for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham with view to £18m permanent move after impressive loan spell at Aston Villa https://t.co/RxniOTDVKz
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) January 2, 2019
It was then time for the reliable Chelsea sources — Law, Twomey, Johnson et al — to debunk those.
Chelsea have NOT accepted a bid from Wolves for Tammy Abraham. Together with the player they will assess whether or not he stays at Villa for the remainder of the season or goes elsewhere. No decision taken yet.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) January 2, 2019
I’m told Chelsea have not accepted a bid from Wolves for Tammy Abraham #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 2, 2019
Been told #cfc have received no bids for #Abraham and he won't be sold this month https://t.co/dQIoMkkNXZ with all loans, there is a possibility club will reconsider where he's at right now (#avfc) and perhaps loan him to PL club...but no guarantee on that.
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) January 2, 2019
All things considered, when there is smoke, there is fire. Chelsea might (and should) have little to no inclination in letting go of Tammy after yet another great season at the Championship as a 21-year-old striker who clearly has loads of room to grow. The club are reportedly open to interrupt his loan move at Villa if an opportunity at Premier League level arrives, and Wolves can offer this pathway to him.
Still, the ideal scenario is one where he returns to Chelsea without having to go through these hoops. Next season can very well be the prime time to finally integrate Tammy to our first team, and hopefully we will not want to miss out on that opportunity.