Chelsea spent much of the January transfer window trying to sign a new centre-forward, but ultimately failed to bring in a new face. The knock-on effect is that Olivier Giroud, linked with the likes of Inter Milan and Tottenham all month, was not allowed to move on either and remains at Chelsea.

All this came after Chelsea had initially not been planning a foray into the market, as they were prohibited from completing deals until an appeal shortened the length of their transfer ban.

In the end, Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani was tipped to be one of the forwards Frank Lampard was most interested in, but a move failed to materialise. Current Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has revealed his dismay at the club not landing such an experienced player, preferring to focus on what he might have learned, rather than the fact he might have missed out on game time.

“The players we were talking about coming, like Cavani and other top class strikers, have been around in the game for many years,” said Abraham. “It would have been nice if he had come. He would have been someone I could have learned from and stolen his ideas to add to my own! It didn’t happen though and for me it gives me that extra push and desire to claim my position and be as best as I can.”

While Abraham won’t be taking tips from one of Uruguay’s best all-time strikers any time soon, Cavani is still expected to depart PSG in the summer when his contract expires and Chelsea will still be in the market for a striker.

In the meantime, Abraham is likely to continue as the starting centre-forward; having started the season so well, the goals have dried up of late for him, with just two strikes to his name in the Premier League since 4 December. Abraham isn’t fazed by the increased expectation on his shoulders, though, and says he will thrive when Chelsea need him most.

“Playing for a club like Chelsea there is always going to be pressure. For me it is about being in the right place at the right time and believing in myself and my abilities as well. I am sure I will score a few more. I like the pressure and I play under pressure.”

Abraham has 15 goals across all competitions this season, with Michy Batshuayi, his main back-up, netting six. Giroud, who has only made seven appearances, has one goal, while an out-of-favour Cavani has five in 15 at PSG.

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