Arsenal had a scout in attendance to watch Ivorian wonderkid Bazoumana Traore in action today.
The 18-year-old joined Swedish club Hammarby from ASEC Mimosas in March. He was initially an unused substitute, but has become a key player over the last few months.
Fotboll Skanalen recently reported that Arsenal will have a representative at the Tele2 Arena. The club should have been impressed by the youngster’s overall display.
Traore, who is a left winger by trade, did not score or assist in Hammarby’s 2-0 win over Hacken, but he had a solid attacking performance with three chances created.
The teenager won nine ground duels and completed five dribbles. The youngster also made six ball recoveries in the game with a passing accuracy of 82 percent.
Arsenal were widely tipped to sign a right winger during the recent transfer window, but they were unable to persuade their top target Nico Williams to make the switch.
The Gunners could return for the Athletic Bilbao star next summer, but the club could also look to add quality talent to the academy, who can break into the first-team.
Traore had a good attacking display against Hacken this evening and it remains to be seen whether the club will follow up with another scouting mission later this year.
Arsenal are not alone in the pursuit of the Ivorian wonderkid. Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers had scouts in attendance too.
The winger is valued at £5 million by Transfermarkt on the back of six goals and three assists from 18 appearances this term. His valuation could rise if they can continue his good form into next year.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com
