Forget Nathan, Chelsea’s young duo already primed to step up
Published:
Another day, and Chelsea move another step closer to securing the signature of another exciting South American attacker, but should they be looking closer to home.
The Premier League leaders look set to agree a deal to bring Athletic Paranaense forward Nathan to Stamford Bridge for a reported fee of £4.7m.
While that sum is relative small fry for the Blues to be spending on the 19-year-old, they have a pair options closer to home that are already delivering on loan from west London.
One of many of their youngsters that are shipped out to Vitesse Arnhem, Bertrand Traore has been a revelation in the Eredivisie.
Capable of playing on the wing, the Burkina Faso international has really come alive since moving to a more central striker’s position.
His form has seen him score 10 times in his last 13 games is a major part to the success of FC Hollywood aan de Rijn, that has seen them go on an 11 game unbeaten run, catapulting them up to ninth in the league.
The Dutch side are reportedly interested in signing their 19-year-old up for one more season, but should Chelsea wish to bolster their first team squad with attacking assets, he looks ready for the step up.
But as far as young English talent comes, few have caught the eye as much as Patrick Bamford in the Championship this season.
On loan at Middlesbrough, the 21-year-old has netted 16 times in the league this season, and has been a driving factor on the Teesside club’s assault on the promotion spots.
He has now netted 46 league goals in two-and-a-half seasons during temporary spells at the likes of MK Dons, Derby and ‘Boro, and could prove a case of now or never for his Chelsea career.
While Jose Mourinho may think neither Traore nor Bamford are ready for a regular spot in his Blues squad, giving them the opportunity to prove their worth in the capital may prove a better move than continuing to shop abroad.
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