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Portsmouth are leading the race to sign 18 year old Arsenal winger Armand Traore on loan for next season. The Frenchman has spent the last two seasons on the fringe of the first team, and finished the last campaign making several appearances in the Reserves.
Traore joined Arsenal from Monaco aged just 16 and after competing with Gael Clichy for the left back slot, Arsène Wenger decided to use Armand’s abilities on the left wing, something that has been rather impressive in recent weeks. It is expected he will go to Pompey with the specific intention to play on the wing, and learn the trade under Harry Redknapp.
Norwich City and Cardiff City have been linked with Traore’s loan signing recently, but the lure of Premiership football is a much more attractive offer to Arsenal and Armand. It now seems that Pedro Botelho will be the back up for Clichy when he returns from his loan at Salamanca next season, with Justin Hoyte and William Gallas expected to be the back up for next season.
Newly promoted West Bromwich Albion have entered talks with Arsenal about loaning Alexandre Song for next term as they plan their squad for the rigours of Premiership football.
Tony Mowbray is also expected to ask for a clause to be added to the contract enabling the midlands outfit to buy Song for a fixed sum on completion of the loan should The Baggies remain in the top flight. Arsène Wenger is a huge admirer of the much improved Cameroon international, who has made two Reserves appearances this season scoring once against Chelsea.
Song has also spent time on loan at Charlton two season’s ago, and despite some superb performances he could not stop there demotion to the Championship. It is expected Wenger will hang on to Alex what ever happens but no doubt a year on loan will dramatically help the 20 year old, before then returning to fight for his place with the Gunners.
Wouldn't be bad but I would add a "Call Back Clause". They would learn a lot with regular first team football in the Premier League. Oh and is Pedro good enough to back up Clichy?!!
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