Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport claim Leeds are battling AC Milan in the race to sign Sassuolo midfielder Junior Traore – the elder brother of Manchester United wonderkid Amad Diallo.
Traore, 22, has spent the past three seasons with Serie A club Sassuolo – initially on a two-year loan before completing a permanent move last summer. He has since scored 18 goals in 100 appearances.
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During the 2021-22 season, the three-time Ivory Coast star had a hand in 12 goals from attacking midfield during 32 appearances. That is, despite only starting 22 of those 32 – and completing 90 minutes only three times.
The report claims that Milan and Leeds are leading the race to sign the ex-Empoli talent – with a fee of £21.5million required to land his signature. He has a contract at Sassuolo until the summer of 2024.
Leeds battling Milan in race to sign Traore
Traore is a wonderful talent. His ability to both score and create on a regular basis in a Serie A division that is quickly improving is certainly eye-catching. His versatility, too, given he can play in the middle and out wide.
However, Brenden Aaronson is very similar. The USA international has joined Leeds for a similar fee, if not slightly more. The same age, the same positions, the same kind of goal output.
Had Leeds not brought in Aaronson, you would consider a move for Traore much more likely. However, with Aaronson – and Champions League side Milan in the race – you would say the Serie A champions are on pole.
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