Traore set for Benfica moveLeft-back set to join Portuguese champions
By Francisco Acedo Last updated: 19th August 2010
Traore: Poised for Benfica switch
Arsenal defender Armand Traore is on the verge of joining Portuguese champions Benfica, according to his agent.
The 20-year-old left-sided player is thought to be in Lisbon to complete a medical ahead of a move thought to be worth almost ?4million (£3.2m).
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger snapped up Traore from Monaco when he was a youngster, and the Frenchman has made 31 first-team appearances and since been on loan to Portsmouth.
However, with Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs ahead of him in the pecking order at the Emirates for a left-back berth, he has decided that his future lies elsewhere.
Traore's agent Richard des Voeux believes Benfica is the best option, where he is expected to sign a four-year deal.
Sensitive
Des Voeux told A Bola newspaper: "A number of European clubs were interested in Armand but the Benfica option is more important in many aspects.
"The interest is real and we are at a sensitive stage (of negotiations). Armand is aware of contacts between Benfica and Arsenal.
"Benfica are a wonderful club that would interest any player. Obviously, Armand is very interested and excited about the possibility of coming to play at Benfica.
"Nothing is finalised, but things can be decided very soon."
