Arsenal youngster Armand Traore would prefer to stay at the Emirates Stadium and battle for a first-team place rather than move elsewhere on loan.

The French teenager has still to make his Premier League debut for the Gunners but has made nine cup appearances for the club and was a regular in the side that reached last season's Carling Cup Final.

Traore was rumoured to on the verge of leaving Arsene Wenger's side on loan in August but is pleased no deal materialised.

"I have spoken with the boss and he has told me that the position of official second-choice left-back is there for me," he told the club's official website.

"That doesn't mean it will be always though, so I must just keep trying hard in training and when I am asked to play there, just show that I can do it.

"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 and if he tells me that it has to be done, then of course it will be done."