West Ham looked favourites to sign Adama Traore from Middlesbrough before Chelsea entered the fray.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin
It looked as if the most likely destination for Adama Traore if he were to leave Middlesbrough this summer would be West Ham United.
The Gazette reported that the Hammers were prepared to pay £8m to secure the services of the winger, who has just endured successive relegation from the Premier League with Aston Villa and now Boro.
Yet a story has come in from the left field courtesy of Spanish publication Sport, which claims that Chelsea are planning a surprise swoop for Traore.
Despite showing glimpses of the talent he honed at Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2016/17, the fact the 21-year-old failed to score a single goal in 27 appearances for a relegated side is what makes this most surprising.
However, if true perhaps the Blues signing Traore permanently could work out well for West Ham if they then went all out to secure the forward on loan.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore in action with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld
Stamford Bridge is famed for being the home of many youngsters who are then sent out on loan and with Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian already at the club, this could well be the short-term fate of the Spaniard as well should he sign.
Slaven Bilic would then be able to secure a player who certainly possesses talent, but perhaps not consistency as yet, in a relatively risk-free deal but with the option of potentially convincing Chelsea to try and sell in a year’s time.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
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