PSV fail to seal Traore transfer

The 19-year-old 6ft 8in front-man - dubbed the 'new Emmanuel Adebayor' - has netted five times in 18 league appearances since arriving from Stade d'Abidjan.

After several eye-catching performances in Romania, Emirates Stadium supremo Arsene Wenger was believed to be ready to take a gamble on the Ivorian youngster to ease his striker crisis, following injuries to Robin van Persie, Eduardo and Nicklas Bendtner.

However, a winter transfer window move for Traore is thought to have been scuppered by work permit restrictions - meaning any deal with the Gunners could not be completed until the end of the season.

According to Algemeen Dagblad, Eredivisie giants PSV attempted to snare the starlet shortly before the window slammed shut to replace Brazilian forward Jonathan Reis, who was recently sacked after failing a drugs test.

But an agreement between the two clubs could not be reached in time due to financial reasons.

Traore had previously admitted his interest in a move to Arsenal, revealing that it would be a dream to play for the Gunners.

"It would be a dream for me to get to play on a team so great. I have a chance there because Wenger relies heavily on young players," he said.

"The Ivory Coast coach has already told me I will get my chance with the national team, but my chances of that happening would certainly increase if I was to join a big team like Arsenal.

"It is sensational to hear Wenger is watching me. I could be a success in England."

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