Source: Team_Talk
From London to Lisbon for Traore
Arsenal defender Armand Traore is on the verge of joining Portuguese champions Benfica, according to his agent.[LNB] 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).[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]Traore's agent Richard des Voeux believes Benfica is the best option, where he is expected to sign a four-year deal.[LNB]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.[LNB]"The interest is real and we are at a sensitive stage (of negotiations). Armand is aware of contacts between Benfica and Arsenal. [LNB]"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. [LNB]"Nothing is finalised, but things can be decided very soon."
