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According to the latest reports from the Netherlands, Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea have agreed a loan deal for young Bertrand Traoré.
This move had been rumored for a few weeks now, so perhaps it’s not much of a surprise, though in a way it’s still a bit disappointing to see the 20-year-old head out on loan after seemingly establishing himself as a useful backup option last season.
Telegraaf with an exclusive: Bertrand Traore joins Ajax on loan. More news later this morning.
— Michiel Jongsma (@JongsmaJongsma) August 10, 2016
As we detailed before, Ajax are currently led by former Vitesse head coach Peter Bosz, under whose guidance Traoré converted from winger to high-scoring center forward a couple seasons ago. If Traoré had to go on loan anywhere, this is perhaps the most ideal circumstance for him. Ajax director of football Marc Overmars was apparently keen on the youngster as well.
Traoré does free up a spot in the Chelsea striker ranks behind assumed first-choice Diego Costa and assumed second/third-choice Michy Batshuayi. Does this mean Loïc Rémy is set to stay? Or does this add weight to the continuing Romelu Lukaku (and lately some highly tenuous Mauro Icardi) rumors?
Stay tuned.