Traore joins Portsmouth on loan

Armand Traore joined Arsenal in 2005 from Monaco

Portsmouth have signed Arsenal's French left-back Armand Traore on a one-year loan deal.

The highly-rated youngster is in need of first-team experience having had limited chances at Arsenal.

Traore, 18, who joined the Gunners from Monaco in 2005, has made 18 first-team appearances, including the 2007 Carling Cup final defeat against Chelsea.

His chances of first-team football this season appear limited after the arrival of Mikael Silvestre on Wednesday.

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Experienced defender Silvestre arrived from Manchester United and can play at centre-back or left-back.

His arrival has pushed Traore further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.

Traore is expected to challenge Hermann Hreidarsson for the left-back position at Fratton Park.