West Ham should target Chelsea’s Abraham

West Ham manager David Moyes should urge the club to make a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, following Marlon Harewood’s verdict on the striker.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Abraham is a target for the Hammers this summer, with his long-term future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Harewood said: “That’s where West Ham should be looking, and I think Moysie (David Moyes) is that sort of person that he will be looking for a striker of that calibre, young, he’s ready to go, he’s been in the Premier League quite a while now. 

Should West Ham sign Tammy Abraham?

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“I think he needs a chance, just like Jesse Lingard coming from Manchester United obviously not playing coming into the club, got a lot to show, and Tammy is one of them, got a lot to show (too) and would complement Antonio very well.”

Imagine him and Antonio

While Antonio has transitioned into an out-and-out number nine – all his games for the Hammers this season has been played up front – Abraham’s arrival could see Moyes look to play two up top, or with the former going back out wide.

The duo possess sheer pace and power, and that would no doubt pose a threat to most defences in the Premier League – Abraham has already bagged six in 20 league games this campaign, while Antonio has managed seven in 18.

Dean Windass has also previously spoken to FFC about how Abraham would be perfect for the Hammers, saying: “He’s David Moyes’ type, athletic, quick and young. Is he the new Chelsea manager’s cup of tea? I don’t think so.

“So, massive fit for West Ham, bit like Carlton Cole who was upfront for West ham, that sort of type. He’s big, strong and scores goals.”

The £60m-rated striker – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Dean Smith, his former manager at Aston Villa – is even stronger in the air than Antonio, winning 58% of his aerial duels compared to the latter’s 46%. A look at both of their touch-maps this season shows how Abraham predominantly works inside the box, while the Hammers forward is seen buzzing around the final third, popping up on the left, right and through the middle.

Having Antonio act as a dovetail with Abraham could add a different dimension to West Ham’s attacks, and it’s exactly why Moyes should urge GSB to make a swoop for the Chelsea forward.

Meanwhile, this pundit has delivered a big claim on Declan Rice’s West Ham future…