Amad Traore in action for the Atalanta youth side. (Getty Images)
According to 90min (h/t Daily Express), North London side Arsenal are keen on Atalanta teenage sensation Amad Traore.
The 17-year-old winger has made three Serie A appearances for the high-flying Atalanta, who are fourth in the league this season. Despite still being so young, Traore was selected for Atalanta’s Champions League squad against Shakhtar Donetsk. This gives a clear indication of that he is.
However, he remained an unused substitute in the match which saw Atalanta overcome the Ukrainian outfit 3-0 at home to advance into the round-of-16. Meanwhile, Traore gave a glimpse of his potential by netting a goal on his Serie A debut win against rivals Udinese.
Traore’s attacking abilities were clearly visible even before when he excelled for their youth side last season by winning the Primavera – the Italian Youth League. He has played 46 games for Atalanta’s Primavera side, scoring 13 goals and assisting 15 times.
The young attacker was impressive for their youth side last season, scoring six goals and giving four assists from 23 matches. This season, Traore has racked up six goals and five assists from even fewer games (16), emulating his performances from last season.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have developed a reputation of picking up young bright talents, who have excelled at the highest level. Arsenal youngsters Gabriel Martinelli (18) and Matteo Guendouzi (21) are examples of such young talents, who were roped in by the Gunners in recent times.
Arsenal currently have just two wingers in their squad – summer signing Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson. Pepe is a first-team regular and is Arsenal’s record signing. The 20-year-old Nelson, on the other hand, has broken into the first-team but still has a lot to develop.
With the side clearly having a dearth of talented wingers in their mix, landing a teenage talent like Traore will only do them a world of good. Also, he still has time and given his potential, could prove to be a great future investment for the club.
At the moment, Arsenal just have one established winger in Pepe and it would be wise to stack up their options if they wish to stay on top in the coming days. That said, Arsenal will be saving themselves a lot of money and time by landing Traore. He is still very young and can develop a lot more under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.
