Arsenal’s Traoré set for Benfica

(GSM) – Arsenal full-back Armand Traoré is set to quit the Emirates and sign for Portuguese outfit Benfica.

The 20-year-old has grown disillusioned with life at Arsenal after the emergence of Kieran Gibbs brought him down in the pecking order.

He has seen his first-team opportunities limited since he moved from Monaco in 2006, spending a season on loan at Portsmouth.

And the Portuguese champions have capitalized on the opportunity to sign the unhappy Traoré in a deal thought to be in the region of £3.2million.

Traoré’s agent Richard des Voeux told the 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.”