Following Series of Meetings, Abraham Reportedly Warming to Roma Move

I'm not sure we've ever published a transfer piece just to say that Roma are cautiously optimistic about signing a particular transfer target. But then again, we've never really covered a transfer saga quite like Roma's pursuit of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. Sure, we've followed many protracted rumors in our day, including the club's pursuit of Abraham's predecessor, Edin Dzeko. Our #DaretoDzeko campaign dragged on for months but not because of any reticence on Dzeko's part; he desperately wanted to link up with Miralem Pjanic and Francesco Totti in Rome, but the club needed weeks (if not months) to sort out terms with Manchester City back in the summer of 2015.

That's not the case with Abraham. As we discussed earlier this week, Roma and Chelsea came together rather quickly on a deal that will net the Blues some €40 to €45 million for the soon-to-be 24-year-old English striker, but Roma have yet to convince Abraham on the merits of Roma and Serie A; a prospect that became increasingly urgent with new stories connecting Abraham to Arsenal seemingly every day.

In order to beat Arsenal to the punch, Roma GM Tiago Pinto flew to London on Wednesday to meet with Abraham's representatives. While Pinto had other business in London—perhaps even a surreptitious play for Granit Xhaka—persuading Abraham was Pinto's top priority.

After an initial round of meetings in which Pinto reportedly offered Abraham a five-year deal with a €4 million per year net salary and the number nine shirt, Abraham remained hesitant to leave the Premiership but was reportedly warming to the idea of playing his football in the Italian capital.

In order to get the ball in the end zone—to borrow an American football phrase—Roma continued to turn up the heat on Abraham. In their most recent meeting, Pinto continued to preach the Giallorossi gospel to Abraham and reportedly received a healthy assist from José Mourinho, who put in a call to Abraham, one that may have won over the 23-year-old striker according to the Corriere dello Sport.

Given Abraham's hesitancy and the record-breaking figures involved, this is no ordinary Roma transfer rumor—doubly so when you consider opening day is barely a week away—so, needless to say, you'll want to stay tuned.

Keep those fingers crossed. Abraham is an incredibly promising talent, one who could help The Special One bring sustained success to Roma.