Traoré follows Thomas to Portsmouth

Portsmouth FC have signed winger Jerome Thomas in a permanent deal, freeing up a loan space in their squad for Arsenal FC full-back Armand Traoré.

Upgraded
Thomas initially arrived on a season's loan from Charlton Athletic FC, but with Premier League clubs allowed only two temporary signings, the transfer has been amended – enabling Traoré to join him at Fratton Park.

One-year contract
Former Arsenal FC trainee Thomas, 25, will have a one-year contract with Portsmouth, while Traoré, the Gunners' 18-year-old left-back, comes in for a similar period. The French teenager has made three top-flight appearances for Arsenal but, like his fellow loan signing, Chelsea FC striker Ben Sahar, he will hope to gain greater experience on England's south coast. Thomas made his Portsmouth debut in the FA Cup holders' 4-0 opening-day defeat at Chelsea last Sunday, having played 103 league games for Charlton.