Lille’s cornerstone Gervinho is to sign Arsenal this month, according to the Ivorian who has confirmed that he is in talks with the Gunners whom he is likely to join next season. The 24-year-old winger, who has become a revelation since arriving in Lille in 2009, is to join Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Van Persie in Londoners’ attack. The Ivorian finished the last term with ten assists and 14 goals, won both the French league and Cup with Lille who had ended a five-decade drought. Rudi Garcia is thus to handle Gervinho’s departure with Moussa Sow and Eden Hazard scored 25 and seven goals respectively in the previous season. Gervinho becomes the second player to leave Lille after Yohan Cabaye. The French midfielder also chose the Premier League adventure as he joined Newcastle United last month.
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Said Gervinho: “It’s maybe the best league in the world. I want to live that sensation. I chose Arsenal because it’s a young group within which I will be able to integrate easily. I had no hesitation. None. But in a transfer there’s always a period of analysis and negotiations. All sides had to be satisfied so that things could develop smoothly.” Overall, Gervinho scored 28 goals and picked 67 selections with Rudi Garcia’s side, something which transformed him into one of the most hunted Lille players this window transfer. Arsene Wenger has thus taken some pressure off himself with Ivorian’s move, taking into account that the Gunners might remain stripped of both Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, but also of Cesc Fabregas whose future has become uncertain on the Emirates since FC Barcelona showed their interest to bring him back to the Nou Camp.
The first two are very close to a Manchester City move, according to the English reports which see the big-spending Eastlands side favorites in this race. However, neither of the two sides has made any offer, even more than that, Wenger is keen to keep both, of not all the three players in London for at least one more season. Gervinho is likely to play in Champions League though as Arsenal finished the season fourth with 68 points, three behind Manchester City and Chelsea and just six above the Europa League spot which Tottenham Hotspur has reserved.
Good news have surrounded Lilel these days after Eden Hazard has confirmed that he will stay in Lille, despite being linked by the French Cup final opponents Paris Saint-Germain. Although more other teams across Europe are interested in 20-year-old Belgian’s services, coach Rudi Garcia pointed clearly that his side is keen to keep and will keep the player at the Metropole. Lille will start the new season away at AS Nancy, while their first home match is scheduled on August 13 against Montpellier.
