Tammy Abraham has so far declined to sign a new contract with Chelsea as the Blues refuse to meet their top scorer’s wage demands. And there appears to be no sign of the deadlock being broken as the England international reportedly waits to see who the Blues pursue in the summer transfer window.
Abraham has bagged 15 goals in all competitions this term, although his momentum was halted by an ankle injury against Arsenal in January.
Chelsea are prepared to offer the 22-year-old a significant wage increase to reflect his status as the leading frontman at Stamford Bridge, but there is a disagreement over the actual salary.
Abraham wants parity with Callum Hudson-Odoi, who earns a basic wage of £120,000-a-week which could rise to £180,000 with add-ons, after the winger penned a bumper new deal last September.
With just one year left on his contract and interest from Bayern Munich, Hudson-Odoi was able to name his price and was handsomely rewarded in his pay packet.
However, Abraham is already tied down until 2022 and Chelsea are seemingly reluctant to give in to his wage demands.
The Athletic report that there haven’t been any new negotiations between Abraham and the club for a while, and the frontman is now said to be waiting to see the Blues’ plans regarding attacking reinforcements.
Abraham wants to be first choice in Frank Lampard’s starting XI but a big-money signing would threaten his game time, so the youngster is said to be looking for assurances before agreeing terms.
At least one of Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud will leave in the summer, with the Belgian looking most likely to depart after being frozen out under Lampard.
Crystal Palace are keen on the 26-year-old while several unnamed Bundesliga clubs have also been linked.
Meanwhile, Giroud was on the verge of leaving Chelsea in January with personal terms having been agreed ahead of a move to Inter Milan.
However, the Blues blocked the switch after failing to sign a replacement and Giroud has since regained his spot in the first team as he deputises for the injured Abraham.
Lampard is a vocal fan of the young striker and, when asked if he wanted Abraham and fellow Chelsea starlet Fikayo Tomori to stay at Stamford Bridge, said: “Of course, I do.
“That goes slightly out of my remit when they are dealing with the club. The club know I love the players, I brought them into the team this season.
“They are doing particularly well but I leave those conversations to the club to discuss contracts.
“But, of course, I want them to be here for a long time. That’s the conversation for me and the club I suppose. I made it clear they are playing very well and I want them to stay.”