Portsmouth conclude Diarra signing

LONDON, England -- Portsmouth have completed the signing of France midfielder Lassana Diarra from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old only joined the Gunners from Chelsea during the summer but has already been frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.

Diarra will join his new team-mates for training on Friday and could make his debut in Saturday's Premier League match at home to Derby.

Paris-born Diarra began his career with Le Havre before moving to Chelsea in 2005.

He was named the club's young player of the year after his first season but made just 31 appearances in two years and agreed to a $4million move to Arsenal.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, who turned down the job at Newcastle, told the club's Web site: "In my opinion he's already one of the best midfield players in the Premier League and has the ability to be one of the best there is.

"He's strong, powerful, quick and can pass the ball. You don't play for France for the last nine or 10 games unless you're top quality.

"I'm delighted he has decided to sign for us rather than a host of other clubs. It's great news for Portsmouth Football Club."

Diarra will replace Matt Taylor in the Portsmouth squad, after the left-sided midfielder was sold to Bolton for an undisclosed fee.

Bolton manager Gary Megson said Taylor, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract at his new club, would be a valuable addition to his struggling squad.

"Matt is a quality player who is very versatile on the left-hand side," Megson said. "He is a proven Premier League performer who will bring additional quality to our squad.

"He has attracted interest from a number of clubs and I am delighted that we have managed to bring him to the Reebok Stadium."

Brazilian striker Fred said on Thursday he had turned down three transfer offers, and will remain at French champion Lyon.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said last week that the club had received offers from French rival Paris Saint-Germain and English sides Portsmouth and Tottenham for the striker.

"I made the decision today, after the last offer from Tottenham," said Fred after a training session. "I didn't get an offer good enough for me. I'm no longer talking about a transfer. I'm 100 percent at Lyon, and focused on my work." E-mail to a friend