Arsenal could move for FC Cluj striker Lacina Traore after scouts reportedly watched the 6ft 6inch striker impress on both domestic and European fronts for his current owners.
The 19-year-old, a graduate of Jean-Marc Guillou’s Academie de Sol Beni in the Ivory Coast, made the switch to his current surroundings in 2008 before helping Cluj to both the Romanian Cup and Super Cup last year.
It is thought that Arsene Wenger has been alerted to the player’s qualities through his link with Guillou, the man responsible for giving the Gunners coach his first big break in coaching at Cannes in the early ‘80s.
The two men have since worked closely together giving opportunities to several players from Africa, with the likes of Kolo Toure and his younger brother both making their way to Arsenal; the latter taking on a trial in north London before playing for clubs in France, Ukraine, Greece and reigning European champions and the former making himself a fan favourite at Highbury and the Emirates with his swashbuckling defensive style.
In an interview in the Romanian press, Traore described being linked with Arsenal as “sensational” and stressed “it would be a dream” to play for the prestigious English club.
Speaking about possible contact with Arsene Wenger, CFR Cluj president Iuliu Muresan confirmed:
“We have been in contact with Arsenal, but have not received any concrete offer. Four million euros is the fee we are looking for.”
Rated by scouts in Romania as a huge talent Traore has been labeled the ‘new Adebayor’ due to his height, trickery and decent pace.