Arsenal "tried in every possible way" to replace Alexandre Lacazette with Tammy Abraham during the summer transfer window, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Lacazette was strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium over the summer but remained in North London beyond the deadline.
Abraham, meanwhile, ultimately left Chelsea for Roma, and the forward has started the 2021-22 campaign in strong form, scoring once and providing two assists in three appearances.
According to Romano, the Gunners had wanted to sell Lacazette to make room for Abraham but were unable to drum up interest in the former.
The 30-year-old, who is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium next summer, has scored once in two appearances for Mikel Arteta's side this season.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman has scored 66 goals and registered 28 assists in 172 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Lyon in 2017.
