Alain Traoré, a revered figure in Burkinabe and African football, came close to making a life-changing move to Arsenal in January 2013.
Known for his powerful left foot and an eye for spectacular goals, Traoré’s career has spanned clubs across Africa and Europe, from Auxerre and Lorient to Kayserispor and Berkane.
However, his potential move to the Premier League was ultimately derailed by an untimely injury, a moment that changed the course of his career.
Lorient: A season of growth for Traoré
In the summer of 2012, Alain Traoré was enjoying a breakthrough season at AJ Auxerre, having scored 9 goals in 27 Ligue 1 appearances despite an injury-plagued campaign.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed, and in a record move worth €6.5 million, Traoré was recruited by Lorient FC.
His adaptation to his new club was swift.
In just three months, the attacking midfielder scored 6 goals and provided an assist, showcasing the promise that had clubs around Europe interested.
But it was during his time with the Burkinabe national team at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that Traoré’s profile rose to new heights.
AFCON 2013: Arsenal takes notice
The Stallions’ journey at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations began with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria, with Traoré scoring the equalizer.
This performance, along with his subsequent goals, including a memorable 30-meter strike against Ethiopia, caught the attention of Arsenal scouts.
By the time the Burkina Faso squad reached their quarter-final clash with Zambia, negotiations for a potential transfer to the Premier League were already underway.
Traoré was in red-hot form, scoring three goals in the tournament, and it seemed a move to one of England’s top clubs was imminent. But fate had other plans.
The injury that ruined it all
As Burkina Faso aimed for a spot in the semi-finals, disaster struck.
Traoré suffered a thigh injury while attempting a long pass during the crucial match against Zambia.
The timing couldn’t have been worse, with Arsenal scouts in attendance, watching as the Burkinabe star was forced off the pitch.
In an exclusive interview with journalist Moussavou Billa, Traoré reflected on the career-defining moment.
I have been injured many times and I have worked to always come back,” he said. “Every time they want to bury me because I am injured, I always come back stronger.
But this injury at the AFCON 2013 was not only too much but also came at the wrong time.
Traoré explained that everything had been lined up for a move to Arsenal, and his injury not only kept him sidelined for six months but also derailed his dream of playing in the Premier League.
Before the AFCON, I had to sign a contract with Arsenal. The scouts came to the AFCON, I confirmed on the field, everything was well tied up, and then I got injured for six months.
It’s a big regret. I was disgusted and wanted to stop everything.
It’s thanks to my mother’s support that I managed to overcome this and play again.
The road after the injury
Following his injury, Traoré’s career took a different path.
He spent time on loan at Monaco, before moving to Turkey and Qatar, and eventually returning to Africa, where he played for Berkane in Morocco and AS Arta in Djibouti.
Now aged 35, Traoré, with 65 caps and 21 goals for Burkina Faso, is currently playing in the Ivorian second division with Sporting Club de Gagnoa.
While his move to Arsenal never materialized, Alain Traoré’s legacy in African football is secure, with his memorable goals and contributions still remembered fondly.
His career serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football, and how one pivotal moment can alter the trajectory of a player’s journey.
