Chelsea could make a shock move for Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal
Adama Traore could be allowed to leave the Riverside club this summer, following Middlesbrough’s relegation to the Championship.
The 21-year-old pacy winger has no shortage of admirers, with Chelsea and West Ham reportedly being linked with a move.
The Hammers are reported to be the frontrunners to secure his signature, with The Northern Echo reporting that a deal could be struck as early within this week.
The winger’s representatives have reportedly met West Ham officials at the end of last week, and it seems that he is edging closer to joining the London club.
However, Chelsea could scupper West Ham’s transfer plans with a shock move. According to reports from the Mirror, the Blues are ready to make a ‘shock’ move for the winger, with Antonio Conte looking to add depth to his squad.
Any potential club will have to fork out a transfer fee of £8 million to secure his signing. If he has to make a choice between the two London clubs, he should select West Ham instead.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore looks dejected after a missed chance
Chelsea have plethora of top class attacking midfielders in their ranks, and Traore will struggle for regular game time. He could be used for bit part roles.
West Ham, on the other hand, could offer him regular opportunities, something he badly needs for his development.
His performance in the last two seasons have been poor. During the 2016-17 season, Traore failed to score a single goal and provided only one assist in 16 Premier League starts for Boro.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
And in 2015-16 season, he failed to score and created only one chance in 10 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa.
There is no doubt that he has immense potential, and probably that is why big clubs are still ready to gamble on him.
His chances of making a strong impression will only increase if he plays regularly. And that is why he should reject Chelsea, notwithstanding the temptations dangled at him.
General view inside the London Stadium
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