Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore has impressed during his loan spell at Ajax. Could Newcastle United be tempted to bring the player to St James Park?
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
With preparations already underway for Premier League football next season, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez is likely already drawing up lists of potential transfer targets for the summer. After bouncing back at the first time of asking, the Magpies will be keen to cement themselves back in the Premier League next season.
One area Newcastle United will be hoping to strengthen is the centre-forward areas. This season, Newcastle have relied a lot on the goals of former Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle, with the stirker scoring 22 times for the Magpies. However, after a number of injury problems this season, and the apparent lack of a quality back-up, another striker is likely to be high on the agenda for Benitez.
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle United have been monitoring a potential move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham. The England youngster has scored 23 goals on loan at Bristol City this season, and has impressed fans throughout the divisions. However, there is another Chelsea forward the Magpies could target: Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore.
Also sent out on loan last summer, Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore has had an excellent season with Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, scoring nine league goals. The attacker also fired a brace against French giants Lyon recently in Ajax’s Europa League semi-final win.
Chelsea’s Bertrand Traore in action last season
Quick, strong, good in the air and with a natural eye for goal, Bertrand Traore could prove to be an excellent option for any side that manage to bag him on loan next season, and it would make sense for Newcastle United to attempt a move, considering their current forward options.
With the club also needing to focus their spending in other areas, the potential of bringing in a Premier League worthy striker on loan may also appeal to Rafa Benitez. Having already scored four goals for Chelsea in 16 appearances, Traore will be desperate to prove he can cut it in the English top flight, and the Magpies might be able to offer just the platform to do so.
Newcastle United fans
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