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Why loaning this Arsenal youngster out now would be foolish

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Several reports are suggesting that Arsenal left-back Armand Traore could join QPR on a season long loan. However, due to the current state of the squad, injuries and all, would it be wise for the Gunners to loan out the 21-year-old?

Traore has been at Arsenal since 2005, but injuries coupled with loan spells to Portsmouth and just recently Juventus have restricted the full-back to just 30 appearances for the North London club.

Neil Warnock is believed to have enquired about the player’s availability before the season kicked-off and despite being told that a permanent move was not viable this summer, Arsenal have instead offered the speedy full-back on a temporary basis.

With the recent departure of Gael Clichy to Man City earlier this summer, undoubtedly, Traore’s standing with the Gunners has significantly improved. With only Kieran Gibbs realistically ahead of him in the pecking order, Traore will be thinking that a starting berth is just around the corner, especially given Gibbs’ lack of experience and injury-prone status.

Arsene Wenger had previously suggested that he has enough occupants for the left-back slot, claiming Thomas Vermaelen can also be considered as an emergency option. However, Vermaelen is clearly better suited to the centre-back role and with Wenger already ruling out a move for a left-back this summer, the news of Traore’s temporary departure may come as a surprise to a majority of Arsenal fans.

Benfica are also believed to be interested in the Arsenal youngster. However, sources close to the player claim QPR would be his preferred destination.

In our current state and with the knowledge that Wenger will not strengthen the left-back position, I believe we must keep hold of Traore at all costs.

I don’t believe we can rely on Gibbs throughout the season, as the youngster always seems to pick up an injury. I also believe that it would be foolish to play our best centre-back out of position just for the club to save a few extra bob.

In my opinion, unless Wenger signs an established left-back this summer, Traore shouldn’t being going anywhere.

What do you guys think – would it be wise to loan Traore out?

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3 comments

  • Kharadonha says:

    To make way for Leighton Baines. Imagine if we can get Martin Marvin and that guy from Masaille plus a striker who can time his moves for the midfield to feed him with nice thru balls. don’t forget a centre back whether we go for Cahill or Permartesacker or Jagielka I don’t care as long as we get all of them. Guys, please let’s get behind the team and show that we are hungry for success and that we’ll stand firm in supporting our beloved Arsenal.

    South African Gooner all the way and I know one day our prayers will be answered in mysterious way.

    I thank you and please enjoy your weekend and the game.

    Good luck Arsenal for tomorrow.

  • fowler says:

    lets start with the fact that we are not getting baines FACT!!
    why would you let traore go when we only have one LB and he is constantly injured,funnily enough he is actually injured at the moment,kieran gibbs. some things that happen at this club just baffle me, especially as when clichy left wenger said we had adequate cover so there was no need for a replacement.

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