Chelsea are currently seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table with 17 matches left to play.
They’re now 8/13 to win the title following their comprehensive 3-0 away win over Leicester City at the weekend; a result made all the more impressive by the absence of Diego Costa, who returned to training today following his row with Antonio Conte last week.
It looks like Costa will still be at Stamford Bridge beyond January – despite being offered over £500,000 a week by an unnamed club in the Chinese Super League – and if Chelsea can keep him happy until the summer it’s hard to see any other club overhauling them.
The Blues have recently offloaded both Oscar and John Obi Mikel and could now be on the verge of completing what would surely be the most surprising transfer of the January window.
Chelsea are currently in advanced talks with Middlesbrough over forward Patrick Bamford and the deal could, if Conte gets his way, involve one of Boro’s most exciting youngsters.
According to Sky Sports – and other publications, including the Daily Mail – Chelsea have made a formal enquiry for Boro winger Adama Traore.
The 20-year-old, who joined Middlesbrough after leaving Aston Villa back in August, has shown himself to be one of the most dynamic players in the Premier League over recent months.
Back in October, in a Premier League match against Arsenal, it was reported that he broke Moussa Sissoko’s sprinting record – registering a top speed of 37km/h.
But while his speed can be devastating, his decision-making skills need improvement.
At 20 years old, though, that side of his game can be developed and Chelsea clearly believe they can help the former Barcelona prodigy fulfil his immense potential and become a hugely effective winger in the process.
Here’s how Chelsea fans have reacted to the Adama Traore reports…
Adama Traore? The alarm bells are ringing. Don’t need him! Would someone please think about Marko Marin & Juan Cuadrado? ? #CFC
— David Patterson (@DPatz13) January 17, 2017
I actually really like Adama Traore #CFC
— Danger Moss (@danger_moss) January 17, 2017
Hard to believe that adama has come up through the ranks of Barcelona. With the footballing brain he has no surprise why Barcelona sold him.
— Vibhash (@viv10cfc) January 17, 2017
Adama traore will be ? with Chelsea ,he’s 20 years old imagine him develop under conte #CFC
— waleed (@welly1978) January 17, 2017
We’ve approached Middlesborough over Adama Traore!! #CFC pic.twitter.com/VCcqyRqOlF
— Akansh (@akanshcfc_) January 17, 2017
Not really sure what Adama Traore will offer us except for being really quick. Similar to SWP & Gronkjaer #CFC
— Andy Simms (@Simms91) January 17, 2017
Adama Traoré’s skill-set:
– Speed
– Dribbling pic.twitter.com/Ocp8AWScQi— CFC News (@cfcptb) January 17, 2017