Report: Adama Traore lined up for Chelsea transfer by Thomas Tuchel

By Lee Clarke

Wolves star Adama Traore has emerged as a surprise summer transfer target for Chelsea, according to a report by The Telegraph.

The Spain international is being eyed by the Champions League winners, with Thomas Tuchel keen to strengthen.

The French manager believes Traore is a player who can offer an attacking threat to Chelsea in the wing-back positions.

The speed demon signed for Wolves in August 2018 for £18 million from Middlesbrough. He has scored 10 goals and claimed 18 assists during 131 appearances for the club.

That record perhaps isn’t glowing but he does bring other things to the team. He is quick, can go past players with ease and boasts superb stamina.

His 2020/21 campaign reaped three goals and three assists, although it was a season of relative struggle for Wolves.

With Nuno Espirito Santo now departed, some changes in personnel could be made.

One of those could be Traore and he’d surely relish the chance of playing for a bigger club.

Interestingly the player has earned praise during the last year from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

He said in an interview with the Liverpool Echo during the 2019/20 campaign: “Traore is unplayable in moments, it’s unbelievable. What a player – he’s so good.”

Traore to Chelsea: Could Tuchel get the best out of him?

His less than impressive goal contribution will see the jury remain out among some Chelsea supporters.

It’s fair to say, however, that he does have some quality and as a squad player he might be useful.

A tired defender will dread Traore’s number coming up on the board with 20 minutes to go.

His pace can cause serious havoc and with Tuchel playing with wing-backs his signing does make sense.

Some competition would be wise for Reece James and at 25, Traore still has time to continue improving.

Traore earns a modest £43,000-a-week and Chelsea could do a lot worse than sign the Spain international this summer.