Tammy Abraham has told Chelsea he is ready to lead the line for them next season after firing Aston Villa back into the Premier League.
The striker moved to Villa on loan last summer and yesterday he capped off a dream season at the club by helping Dean Smith’s side to beat Derby 2-1 in the Championship Play-off Final.
After securing a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016, Villa would like to keep hold of Abraham, who scored 26 goals this season, most likely by taking him on loan for another year.
However, Chelsea face the prospect of a transfer ban for the next two windows, meaning the club may opt to keep the 21-year-old at Stamford Bridge.
When asked by Standard Sport if he believed he was ready to lead the line for the Blues next season, Abraham said: “I do. I am still young, I am still improving.
"The aim is to be at the highest level and playing the best football, and if Chelsea say they need me there, I will put 100 per cent in.
“Every player wants to start. Obviously, it is always difficult at a club like Chelsea because they have got world-class players. But, for me, it is about believing in myself and just keeping doing what I do. I do believe in myself, so wherever I am I believe I will score goals.”
Abraham would have to fight with Olivier Giroud, who has signed a new one-year contract, for a starting spot, but Gonzalo Higuain’s loan move from Juventus is not expected to be made permanent.
That would present Abraham with the Premier League football he desires and the England Under-21 international is determined to play in the top flight next season.
“It wasn’t my first choice to come to the Championship, but it has been a fantastic year,” he said. “First of all, I just need to enjoy my night with the boys before I think about the future.”
