Chelsea striker completes £8.8million move to Lyon

Bertrand Traore has completed an £8.8million move to Lyon, having failed to establish himself in the first team at Premier League champions Chelsea.

The Burkina Faso international joined the Blues youth system from Auxerre in 2013, having previously been linked with Manchester United, and signed a professional contract later that year. But like so many before and since, he struggled to force his way into the first team picture, making just 16 appearances in all competitions although he did return a respectable four goals.

Traore has spent time away from Stamford Bridge on loan in Holland with Vitesse and Ajax, but he has now left the club for Lyon who have paid £8.8million to take him on a five-year contract. It is clear, though, that Antonio Conte’s side still have faith in the young striker, as they have succeeded in including a sell-on clause and will continue to monitor his progress.

“I am very happy to be here,” Traore said. “I was attracted by the philosophy of the club, with several young players from the academy, and the magnificent Parc OL. I am coming to bring something extra and I hope to continue progressing. I have been looking to have stability and, in signing a contract with OL, I could not ask for more. I have the time to show everyone what I can do.”

Traore might not be the last player leaving Chelsea this week, with reports growing that Nemanja Matic could soon be reunited with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. The Portuguese coach is eager to bolster his midfield options ahead of the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League, and a fee in the region of £40million should be enough to lure the Serbian to Old Trafford.

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