Chelsea are closing in on Middlesbrough winger Adama Traore ahead of a potential move in the summer. According to recent reports, the Blues are in pole position to seal a £30m deal with the Boro for their Spanish speedster when the transfer window opens in the summer. However, it is believed that Tony Pulis’ side are ready to fight in order to retain the services of the young Spaniard, who has lit up the English Championship with some dazzling displays during the course of this campaign.
The Championship side are hoping to secure a promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs. Some sources are now claiming that the Boro will struggle to hold on to their prized asset, even if they manage to make their way back to the top tier of English football at the end of this season. The 22-year-old wide man is keen on playing top-flight football next season having previously had limited opportunities at that level with Aston Villa and then, Middlesbrough.
It is also being reported that Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is a close companion of Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson, which could probably tip the scales in the West Londoner club’s favour ahead of other interested parties such as Everton and Newcastle United.
A recent source was quoted to have said, “Adama knows there is major interest – and Chelsea have always been at the head of the queue.”
The Blues of London have a tally of 69 points after playing 36 league matches during the course of this season and are currently sitting in the fifth position in the league table with a crucial league match versus Huddersfield Town coming up this week. The Stamford Bridge-based side needs to make some quality additions in the summer so that they can compete for some major trophies next season.
The potential acquisition of Traore will undoubtedly bolster Chelsea’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The West London side has the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro and Ross Barkley vying for a place in Conte’s starting eleven. The addition of Traore will definitely add more competition for places within the Chelsea team and improve their squad depth significantly going into the new season.
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Traore is extremely versatile and can operate on either flank or in the number 10 position which makes him a perfect fit for any of his potential suitors. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of the Boro winger and whether he ends up making a switch to Stamford Bridge in the near future.
