Adama Traore is a legitimate wingback target for Chelsea

By now I’m sure you’ve heard that Chelsea is set out to miss out on Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan wingback is on his way to Paris Saint-Germain—barring a drastic last minute turn of events—for around €70 million. Hakimi was a target for Thomas Tuchel as he apparently sees Reece James’ future at right centerback, as opposed to right wingback. Hakimi thrived last season for Antonio Conte’s Serie A winners, but with Inter Milan facing financial struggles, the star was always going to depart to the highest bidder.

Chelsea missing out on Hakimi raises more than a few questions surrounding future targets during the summer. It has also seen Blues supporters begin to worry about their club’s backing of Tuchel, but that should not be a question at this point in time. Regardless, the only other name linked with the Champions of Europe thus far in the previously specified role is Wolves’ Adama Traore. This will naturally see him dubbed a back-up target for Chelsea, which is far from the case.

Adama Traore is an incredibly talented wingback and a legitimate No. 1 target for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea.

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Traore was identified by Fabrizio Romano and Matt Law as a target for the Blues in early June. This means they had done their homework before the Hakimi saga was even wrapped up and is seen as an alternative for the club, rather than a worse option. This distinction—albeit similar—is important. Hakimi is undoubtedly the sexier name as he is younger and more well known across world football, but there are some negatives surrounding the Moroccan. He would cost an arm and a leg, restrict Chelsea to a three-man defense going forward and he’d miss some time mid-season at AFCON.

On the other hand, Traore is still just 25 and is a proven star in England. He provides a plethora of Premier League experience, as opposed to Hakimi, whose game may not translate well to the English top flight. There is also the possibility Chelsea missed out on a bonafide star though. Hakimi has played for just three clubs during his professional career: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. If that doesn’t speak volumes as to the type of player he is, I don’t know what will.

Regardless of what the Blues do at the position from here on out, this situation is dissimilar to that of the summer 2017 and winter 2018 transfer windows under Antonio Conte. The scenarios are as different as chalk and cheese.

For starters, Chelsea already has two fantastic options at right wingback in Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James. There is also the possibility of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic possessing the ability to slot in there. This depth is not something that was present when Conte pleaded for Victor Moses replacements and was given Davide Zappacosta. Zappacosta was a panic buy on the last day of the window, one necessary to provide cover for an aging Moses. Through the four players mentioned above—specifically James—the Blues are set up to succeed in that role, regardless of whether there are any possible additions.

There are also supporters who are up in arms about Chelsea missing out on Hakimi, already calling for the heads of the club’s hierarchy for not backing Tuchel. Comparisons are being drawn between the Hakimi deal and Conte’s plea for Juventus’ Alex Sandro. Once again, it’s worth nothing these situations aren’t alike in the slightest. When the Blues missed out on Sandro, it was because they were being cheap. They felt at that time they did not need to spend money for succeed. Hakimi chose to join Paris Saint-Germain, as opposed to Sandro who stayed put. Realistically, there may have been nothing Chelsea could’ve done to convince Hakimi to move to London—hence why there was no official bid made to Inter.

That’s the reality of football transfers; it’s much easier said than done. Reports have already suggested that Roman Abramovich, Marina Granovskaia and Co. have learned from their prior mistakes. Tuchel will have the proper funds to add to his Champions League winning side. Whether the German chooses to spend it all in one place or spread it out amongst a handful of players is up to him.

At the moment it seems as if the Blues have missed out on Hakimi. It’s understandably upsetting to some, but let’s try to remain levelheaded and save the drama for another time. As far as Traore is concerned, few actually know what his future holds. He is being linked with a return to Barcelona and Chelsea’s interest is well known. Whatever he chooses, he is a legitimate target for the Blues, not a cheaper version of Hakimi. Ergo, Chelsea may get more bang for its buck with Traore.

Do you think the Blues should pursue a wingback during the summer? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!