Forget Hakimi: Tuchel Should Sign “Undefendable” Spaniard Who Could Be Available For Half The Price

Chelsea are still reportedly locked in talks to sign Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi, but with the Serie A champions placing an €80m (£68.5m) price tag on the Moroccan, there are doubts over whether the Blues can come to an agreement.

Reliable reports do suggest that Wolves winger Adama Traore is being considered as a viable alternative, with manager Thomas Tuchel said to be a big fan of the Spanish international.

The 25-year-old may have struggled for form somewhat last season, but there are legitimate reasons for thinking that he would provide worthwhile competition for Reece James in the right-wingback position.

Press the next page as we make our case for why Traore could be a better signing for Chelsea than Hakimi.

He has been described as “Undefendable” due to his power and pace

Traore has a number of keen admirers; none more so than Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who described the Spaniard as “undefendable” when assessing the player’s ability in possession.

The wide man’s power and pace can be best looked at in statistics. Over the last year he has completed, on average, 5.28 dribbles per 90 minutes: that is in the top 1% of all players in the top five European leagues. He has also averaged 9.96 progressive carries per 90, which puts him in the top 4%.

Traore can play in more than one position

For Wolves last season, the 25-year-old played as a centre-forward, on the left-wing, on the right-wing and as a wingback. His physical attributes mean he is a very adaptable player.

Undoubtedly, that is one of the main reasons why Tuchel is interested in Traore, and why the German feels he can be converted into playing as a right wingback on a regular basis.

Tuchel can help develop his game

The Chelsea boss has a history of helping players get the best out of their abilities. A notable example is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who he helped convert into a prolific forward at Borussia Dortmund.

Under his previous coach Jurgen Klopp, the Gabonese international had played mostly on the wing before excelling in a more central position.

Traore could be available for a much lower price

While Chelsea are hopeful of bringing down Hakimi’s valuation by including Marcos Alonso in the deal, it is still a massive outlay when the funds could be put to better use by signing someone like Erling Haaland.

Reports suggest that Traore could be available for around €40m (£34m), which is pretty much half the price. It certainly can be argued that he isn’t half the player that Hakimi is.

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