Arsenal defender Armand Traore joins QPR

Warnock described Traore as his number one defensive target

Arsenal left-back Armand Traore has joined Premier League new-boys QPR for an undisclosed fee.

The Senegal defender, 21, leaves the Gunners after five years and 23 appearances at the club, signing a three-year contract at Loftus Road.

Traore becomes the third signing under new QPR owner Tony Fernandes, following Joey Barton and Luke Young.

"When I talked to [boss] Neil Warnock he was very passionate about what I could bring to the club," said Traore.

Traore spent time on loan at Juventus last season, but moves on in search of regular football.

"He was very motivated about playing me week in, week out, and that's what I need at this stage of my career," added the defender, who was born in France but was called up to the Senegal squad 10 days ago.

"I've not been able to prove and show what I'm all about because I've been at two big, big clubs like Juventus and Arsenal. I'm looking forward to coming here and playing regular football.

"The ambition of the new owners and the calibre of players they are signing is something that really attracted me to the club."

Traore will wear the number 13 shirt at the west London club and Warnock said: "Armand has been my number one defensive target for a while now.

"I've been speaking to Arsene [Wenger] for a couple of weeks. He's a young and exciting lad who I think can only get better playing for a side like ourselves on a regular basis. He needs games and he'll get that here.

"Nobody has seen the best of him yet, but over the next couple of years I'm confident he'll show the quality that I clearly believe he has.

"He'll be a great outlet for us down that left hand side. He's got all the attributes you need to be a top, top defender."