Hamed Junior Traoré is attracting serious interest from Serie A side Atalanta Bergamo after a highly impressive loan spell at AJ Auxerre.
The 25-year-old Ivorian, currently under contract with Bournemouth until June 2028, has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout performers this season.
Traoré’s impact at Auxerre has been significant, registering 10 goals and 2 assists across 25 league appearances.
His dynamic displays and attacking versatility have drawn attention from across Europe, with Atalanta now stepping up efforts to secure his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to reports from Africasoccer, Atalanta have begun formal discussions with Bournemouth’s management, aiming to negotiate a permanent transfer for the Ivorian international, who has earned 10 caps and scored twice for his national team.
The club’s sporting hierarchy views Traoré as an ideal candidate to fill the void left by the anticipated departure of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
Traoré’s adaptability has been one of his key assets this season. Deployed predominantly as an attacking midfielder or winger, his sharp movement, vision, and goal-scoring instincts have proven instrumental in Auxerre’s campaign.
The Ligue 1 club, who secured his services on loan last summer, have benefitted from his creative influence and goal threat throughout the season.
Having previously played in Serie A with Sassuolo, Traoré is no stranger to Italian football. His familiarity with the league and his proven track record in European competition make him an attractive proposition for a club like Atalanta, which prioritises high-intensity, technical football and squad depth for continental competitions.
Transfer negotiations are expected to revolve around a figure close to his current market value, estimated at €18 million by Transfermarkt.
That valuation places Traoré among the most expensive Ivorian midfielders currently on the market. Despite his contractual ties to Bournemouth, the Premier League side may be open to a sale, given the player’s strong form and the financial potential of a permanent deal.
While neither club has officially confirmed the ongoing talks, Atalanta’s growing interest signals a clear intention to reinforce their attacking options for the 2025/26 season.
With Lookman likely to move on in the coming months, the Bergamo club is prioritising a replacement who brings both experience and versatility—qualities Traoré has consistently demonstrated.
Traoré’s future now hinges on the outcome of negotiations between the English and Italian clubs. For the Ivorian midfielder, a return to Serie A could offer the opportunity to continue his rise in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, at a club with ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
Should the move materialise, it would mark another milestone in a career that has seen Traoré progress from Sassuolo to Bournemouth and now potentially to the upper tier of Italian football with Atalanta. His trajectory continues to reflect both his personal development and growing value on the international stage.
