It’s rumoured that Roma beat Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, West Ham and Aston Villa to Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.
The deal was done for €40m plus bonuses, although only €5m of that will be payable this summer, the rest over several instalments up to 2025.
Chelsea also retain a buy-back clause at €80m and that is valid from July 2023.
The competition with Arsenal was well known, but the Corriere dello Sport now claims that Roma had to fight off other clubs as well to get Abraham’s attention.
It’s suggested Atletico Madrid were also interested in the 23-year-old England international, while closer to home there were proposals from West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Jose Mourinho played a key part, speaking personally with Abraham over the phone to convince him of the transfer to the Stadio Olimpico.
He is the second England player to join Roma after defender Chris Smalling.
As England are no longer in the EU, Abraham must return to London in order to apply for the work permit and visa.