Breaking Transfer News: Arsenal's Armand Traore Joins Queens Park Rangers

Arsene Wenger has continued his trend of selling players with the unexpected departure of deputy left-back Armand Traore. The Frenchman is set to join fellow Premier League side Queens Park Rangers after undergoing a medical at the London-based club.

Traore, who played in Arsenal's disastrous 8-2 thrashing against Manchester United, emerged through the academy ranks after joining from AS Monaco in 2005. The 21-year-old has been a promising prospect at the Emirates but has failed to gain sufficient first-team opportunities after a stellar loan spell with Portsmouth in 2008-2009.

However, with Gael Clichy's £7 million departure to Manchester City this summer, the Senegal international was set to play a strong role in Arsenal's 2011-2012 campaign with him and Kieran Gibbs challenging for the first-choice left-back role.

A versatile and quick performer, Traore had enjoyed a strong season and evoked the notion he could become an impressive defender for the Gunners, particularly as Traore is only 21. However recently promoted QPR showed great interest in the Frenchman and have promised the prospect of consistent playing time, unlike Arsenal.

The deal is set to be finalized in the coming days with Wenger also set to announce the signing of Brazilian left-back Santos to mitigate Traore's departure. This comes as an unwanted move for Arsenal, as fans are demanding signings rather than departures.

Wenger possesses £80 million in terms of a transfer budget, and with the summer transfer window ending in 48 hours and Arsenal's current situation, the Gunners need quality signings.