Ajax would very much like to keep Bertrand Traore beyond the end of the current season, and not see him return to Premier League champions-elect Chelsea.
The 21 year old is on his second loan in the Netherlands, the first was with Vitesse, of course, and has enjoyed success during both spells. At 21 years of age he’s ripe to develop further at Ajax, but the Dutch club are accepting it’s ‘mission completed’ and Traore will be returning to Chelsea imminently.
French newspaper L’Equipe cover the youngster’s progress ahead of Ajax’s second leg against Lyon in the Europa League. Traore was the star man of the first match, scoring two goals and getting an assist in a 4-1 victory. The Man of the Match performance brought transfer interest, and L’Equipe believe Chelsea will be looking at €10m+.
First Traore needs to rock up at Chelsea, with his advisers, to discuss the future. L’Equipe doubt he can be a big part of Antonio Conte’s plans next season, which may be overly negative.
It’s also explained that Traore isn’t keen on another loan away from Chelsea and could be edging towards a permanent transfer.
Whatever the player’s wishes, Chelsea’s opinion is important too, and they’re likely to want to maintain power over the footballer, whether through another loan or a very favourable buyback clause.