West Bromwich Albion should consider making move for Bertrand Traore.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis
West Bromwich Albion should be looking to sign a top striker this summer.
Salomon Rondon was the club’s top scorer last season with only eight Premier League goals which also included a hattrick. The club’s second highest scorer is 37-year-old Gareth McAuley, with six goals.
Clearly, it is evidential where the priorities lie. And that is why the Baggies should join the race for Chelsea’s young striker Bertrand Traore.
The 21-year-old joined Chelsea back in 2013, but has only made 16 appearances for the Blues, scoring four goals. He spent most of the time out on loan elsewhere, but wherever he went, he has proved his potential and ability.
Ajax’s Bertrand Traore celebrates scoring their first goal with Davy Klaassen
During his loan spell with Vitesse Arnhem, Traore scored 20 goals in 51 games, and last season he enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with Ajax, managing 13 goals and four assists in all competitions.
Traore is a typical modern day versatile forward who can play upfront and also out wide. He will hope to get some first team action at Chelsea, but with players like Diego Costa, Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Willian, all ahead of him of the pecking order, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to find regular game time at the Bridge.
West Brom can provide that and the Baggies should tempt him with the offer of regular first team football.
Bertrand Traore celebrates with Diego Costa after scoring the first goal for Chelsea
However, they could face a strong competition from Premier League rivals Everton and West Ham, as both are reportedly [Foot Mercato] keen on signing him.
Chelsea are willing to do business in the region of €20million (£17.5millon) which could leave clubs some thinking to do before making a move.
Traore has a contract with the Blues till 2019, so a loan move with a view to a permanent deal cannot be completely ruled out either.
The youngster is far from being a finished product, but he could develop into a top player if the club commit in developing him without putting too much pressure.
Ajax’s Bertrand Traore
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