Kevin Campbell is puzzled with Arsenal for not signing Tammy Abraham in the window, slamming technical director Edu for ‘missing the trick’.
Arsenal wanted to strengthen certain areas during the transfer window and made six signings, all under 23. Looking back at the dreadful goalscoring form from the previous season, many called for the club to sign a notable striker during the window, and subsequently, the club were linked with a host of names.
One name that prominently featured on their list was Tammy Abraham, who was ready to leave Chelsea. Arsenal’s problem was shifting some of their existing forwards before making room for a new signing. While there was optimism in the Gunners’ camp over signing Abraham, a move never transpired.
During a crucial window period, AS Roma made a reasonable offer, although Abraham reportedly waited to see if Arsenal came back with an offer. The Gunners allegedly were very interested in the striker, but their inability to move Alexandre Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah meant the 23-year-old had to decide on joining Roma.
While Abraham began his Roma career brightly with a goal and two assists from two games so far, Arsenal have struggled in the Premier League. The Gunners are without a goal and no points on board after three consecutive defeats. Former striker Kevin Campbell believes they may have ‘missed the trick’ and was livid with the club.
Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell blasted Edu for not signing Abraham during the window. The former striker couldn’t believe a move never transpired, despite the strong links.
Campbell said, “Honestly, do not get me started! It looks to me like he has been freed [at Roma]. He has had the restrainers off. Boy, is he a handful? He would be in any league. I truly believe Arsenal missed a trick because we still do not have anyone up the top end of the pitch who is a physical presence. Abraham causes teams a problem just by being there.
“It is a big trick missed. I cannot believe we didn’t go for it. Abraham does not get the credit he deserves. He is a damn good player. I have been watching him since he was in the youth teams. I could tell back then that he was going to be some player.”
Without shifting existing forwards, it would have imbalanced the squad. Despite much criticism over Arsenal’s strategy in the window, Edu came forward to explain and defend the club’s strategy in an interview with Sky Sports. However, with Lacazette and Nketiah in line to depart next summer, a move for a new striker could happen then.
