QPR sign Traore from Arsenal

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QPR have signed Senegal international Armand Traore from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

Rangers initially asked about taking Traore, 21, on loan but the Gunners were prepared to let him leave on a permanent basis, and he has agreed a three-year contract at Loftus Road.

Traore, who is primarily a left-back but can also play further forward, spent last term on loan with Juventus and has also had a loan spell at Portsmouth.

He made 33 appearances for Arsenal, the last of which came in their 8-2 humiliation against Manchester United at the weekend.

Born in Paris to Senegalese parents, Traore was on Monaco’s books before being snapped up by Arsenal at the age of 15.

He struggled to convince the north London club he was good enough for their first team, but is in the mould of left-back QPR boss Neil Warnock has been looking for.

Warnock prefers to play with a dynamic full-back on one side and a steadier one on the other, meaning Traore fit the bill perfectly following the reliable Luke Young’s recent arrival.

Rangers are also keen to sign at least one centre-back before the transfer window closes this week.

They have made enquiries about Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell but now believe they may be able to capture his highly-rated Blues team-mate Scott Dann.