Armand Traore says he wants to fight for his place at Arsenal rather than go out on loan.
French starlet vows to fight for his place
Armand Traore says he wants to fight for his place at Arsenal rather than go out on loan.
The 18-year-old reserve team left-back is highly regarded at Emirates Stadium and has been rewarded with the first-team jersey by boss Arsene Wenger.
Traore played regularly in the Carling Cup last season - including the final defeat by Chelsea - and produced an eye-catching display in his one and only first-team appearance against Newcastle last month.
Target
The French starlet was understood to be a target of Championship side Charlton at the start of the season, who were keen to take the youngster on loan to give him some first-team experience.
But the former Monaco defender says he would rather continue his apprenticeship with the Gunners and push for a first-team place than secure a loan deal.
Traore told the club's official website: "I have spoken with the boss (Arsene Wenger) and he has said the position of official second-choice left-back is there for me.
"It doesn't mean it will be always there, though. So I must just keep trying
hard in training and when I am asked to play, just show that I can do it.
Improving
"I think I am going to stay at Arsenal and still try to keep improving every day in training.
"I wanted to do that rather than go on loan, but when I speak to the manager (in future) and he tells me that it has to be done, then of course it will be done."
