Arsenal ready to make move for Lassina Traore

Arsenal are preparing a summer transfer move for Burkina Faso international striker Lassina Traore, currently playing for Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. With the ongoing war in the Ukraine, the 21-year-old forward is ready to leave his club for a new opportunity and the Gunners are said to be prepared to pay close to £15 million to sign the forward, who is currently out of action through injury.

Arsenal have been tracking the progress of several of the brightest young attacking talents across Europe, as they look to begin life after Alexandre Lacazette. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed the North London side in January for Barcelona, meanwhile Lacazette looks likely to move on a free transfer to his former club Lyon. England under-21 striker Eddie Nketiah has also informed the club that he will likely leave the Emirates Stadium.

Traore, who has a contract that runs until 2026, has bagged 9 goals in 14 games so far this season for Donetsk and prior to moving to the Ukraine the forward played for Dutch giants Ajax. At the Amsterdam outfit he returned an impressive 12 goals in 31 games.

Unfortunately for the striker, Traore sustained a serious injury whilst playing against Inter Milan and severely damaged his knee. However, according to reports, Traore's recovery is ahead of schedule and he could be back to training before the end of May.

With the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine and the player's injury, it is unlikely he will play again for his current club.

Traore's cousin is Bertrand Traore, who currently plays as a right winger for Premier League side Aston Villa.