AS Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri acknowledged Friday, January 3, at a press conference, his interest in the former CFR Cluj striker, Lacina Traore, currently an Anzhi Makachkala player. “I watched him since playing in Cluj,” said the Italian tactician.
Italian media claims that it’s only a matter of hours until the 23 years old striker will become the player of AS Monaco. However, the Ivorian footballer will not stay very long at the team in the Principality this winter.
Fierce competition with Falcao, Riviere, Martial and other strikers of the Monte Carlo grouping makes Traore having to prove his skills elsewhere. It seems that Anzhi’s player will be loaned by AS Monaco this winter to the Premier League side West Ham United.
Depending on his performances to the Premier League, the Ivorian attacker could return this summer in Monaco, entering the squad for the summer training ahead of next season. However, if the Colombian star Falcao departures this winter, Traore could remain now at the team coached by Ranieri.
AS Monaco is currently the second position in Ligue 1 after the first part of this season, 3 points behind leaders PSG. Tomorrow Ranieri’s players will play in the French Cup, away to Vannes.