AC Milan have been linked with a move for Hamed Junior Traoré over the past couple of days ahead of the January transfer window, but their pursuit is now likely to be put on hold.
Gianluca Di Marzio reported earlier in the week that the former Sassuolo player may well end up back in Serie A because he is not finding playing time at Bournemouth and he has a market in Italy where several teams are admirers.
One of those admirers are (or were) apparently Milan, who could sign someone like the 23-year-old because of his versatility. He played mostly as a playmaker or a winger at Sassuolo but he can also be used as a box-to-box midfielder too.
However, there has been a twist today regarding the Ivorian as Bournemouth have confirmed that Traoré is currently in hospital recovering from Malaria.
“The past few weeks have been a tough situation for him personally and from a sporting perspective, he will be out for some time,” Andoni Iraola said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Given the toll that Malaria – a disease caused by a parasite – takes on the body, usually making the victim feel very sick with a high fever and shaking chills, it is likely to keep him out for a while and thus end Milan’s pursuit. We of course hope for Traore to get well soon.