Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has revealed Tammy Abraham only joined Roma because Chelsea were "hell bent" on selling the striker to the Italian giants.

Abraham made the move to Serie A last week, with Jose Mourinho's Roma sealing the deal after agreeing a £34million fee with the Champions League holders.

The striker's switch came after falling down the west London club's pecking order under Thomas Tuchel, with Abraham making just seven appearances since the German replaced Frank Lampard as head coach in January.

Abraham's lack of opportunities under Tuchel led to a host of Premier League clubs registering an interest, with Italian media outlet Calciomercato alleging the 23-year-old England international initially preferred a transfer to Arsenal instead of Roma.

West Ham United were also courting Abraham ahead of moving to the Italian capital, with the Hammers thought to be leading the race for his services last month.

But Bridge has claimed Chelsea pushed for Abraham to head overseas - even though that was not his first choice option - as they did not want to sell their academy graduate to a Premier League rival.

He told Football FanCast: "He wasn't overly keen, I'm told, to join Roma originally.

"He was persuaded by the Roma general manager, who flew over from Italy, and I'm sure Jose Mourinho gave him a call.

"Chelsea were hellbent on him going to Italy."