Lauren makes Portsmouth move
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Article summary
Premiership side Portsmouth FC have added another former Arsenal FC player to their ranks by signing Cameroonian defender Lauren for an undisclosed fee.
Article body
Out of favour
Lauren's contract with last season's UEFA Champions League finalists was due to expire in the summer and with Emmanuel Eboué and Justin Hoyte vying for the right-back position ahead of the Cameroonian, Arsenal agreed to allow the 29-year-old to leave after six and a half years' service.
Old boys' reunion
West Ham United FC were also reportedly in the running for Lauren but sixth-placed Portsmouth, who boast Arsenal old boys Sol Campbell and Kanu among their number and are still in contention for European competition next season, have won the race for the versatile player who has accepted a two-and-a-half year deal.
'Great move'
"This is a great move for me," Lauren said. "Portsmouth are having a great season and are pushing for a place in Europe and I aim to be playing my part in that challenge. I have been very impressed with the club's plans for the future, both on and off the pitch. It will also be good to team up with Sol Campbell and Kanu." Lauren joined Arsenal from RCD Mallorca for €10.9m in 2000 and made 159 Premiership appearances for the Gunners.