How likely is a Chelsea move for Middlesbrough Adama Traore this month?
Sky Sports understand that Chelsea have made an approach for Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore, despite the 20-year-old only moving to Teesside during the summer. It is certainly a surprising story, but he has been exciting this season and his pace could be something that Antonio Conte is looking to add to his squad at Stamford Bridge. Oscar and John Obi Mikel have both left the league leaders this month, therefore there will be funds available to Conte, but Traore won’t exactly be the type of player that supporters were expecting their club to target.
What would Traore add to Chelsea?
He has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League this season, as he is excellent at beating players and creating space for himself. His pace is his main asset, but he also has impressive close ball control and quick feet. Traore has all the talent to become one of the best ball carriers in the game. His problem lies with his end product. It is telling that he hasn’t scored or assisted all season, despite getting into promising positions on a regular basis. He is raw, but the right coach will believe that he can develop Traore into a very good player. Conte obviously believes that he is the right man to do that.
The main reason that Chelsea will be looking at him is for his potential rather than his ability to come in and make an immediate impact. He is averaging 5.2 successful dribbles per game, which is amazing for a 20-year-old, but the concerns about his end product will limit the value that Chelsea have attached to him. If they were to complete a move for the winger this month, he would be seen as an impact player from the bench. Traore could excel in such a role and he would benefit from playing alongside world class players. It may look like an odd move based on his goals and assists, but he is a player with a lot of potential and he could be a good investment for Chelsea.
How likely is a move?
It is a move that is in its early stages and it may not go much further than initial contact in this window, but it does appear that Traore is a player that Conte would like at Chelsea at some point in the near future. He could be a great buy if he is developed properly, but it would be a huge risk for the club. Middlesbrough are likely to want to a significant fee for the player, despite only signing him in the summer. He has proven his potential in the Premier League, but he hasn’t done enough to warrant a transfer fee above £20 million, which is the figure that Middlesbrough are likely to ask for.
This month, I don’t expect a move to happen for Traore, as the fee is surely going to be too high. He needs to improve his end product in the Premier League before a move to Chelsea can materialise. If Chelsea do decide to spend big on him this month, there will be enormous pressure right away and that may not be the best thing for Traore, especially at this stage of his career. Chelsea may maintain an interest and make a move in a later window, but it is difficult to see them spending big on the player in January.
3/10 –There is clearly interest in the winger, but the price tag may be too high this month.
