Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal and Manchester City battle for Lille's £8m rated Gervinho
ShareArsenal are locked in a straight fight with Manchester City for the bargain ?8million signature of Lille forward Gervinho.[LNB]The 24-year old will decide his future after returning from international duty tomorrow and is known to favour a move to the Emirates.[LNB]But City's late intervention has left Arsene Wenger fretting over whether he can secure his main attacking target.[LNB] Hair raising: Gervinho (right) fired 15 goals in Ligue 1 as Lille secured the third title in their history[LNB]In demand: Gervinho[LNB]Sportsmailunderstands an Eastlands delegation has travelled to France in the pastfortnight to explore the possibility of landing a striker whose form has been closely monitored by Arsenal ever since he joined Lille two years ago.[LNB]With RobertoMancini demanding reinforcements throughout his squad, in readiness fora Champions' League campaign next season, City are prepared to go head-to-head with Arsenal for the Ivory Coast striker.[LNB]Gervinho has become one of Europe's hottest properties, after inspiring Lille's first French League title for over 50 years, and is on the market after refusing to renew a contract that has just 12 months to run.[LNB]Lillewill reluctantly listen to offers of around ?8million, and Wenger believed he had the field to himself after the free-scoring frontrunner stipulated he would only consider joining a club in the Champions' League.[LNB]Newcastle, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham had all enquired about him but were forced to withdraw after falling short of requirements.[LNB]City are lurking with ominous intent, though, and Arsenal fear their financial muscle could yet prove decisive.[LNB]Encouragingly for Wenger, sources close to Gervinho, who can also operate on the flanks, say he is an admirer of Arsenal's free-flowing football and considers joining them his 'dream' move.[LNB]As he prepared for Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Benin in Accra, he said: 'I love the Premier League, but I have interest from Spain and Germany as well. There is a decision to be made, and I will make it in the next few days.'[LNB]With Liverpool out of the running, they could turn to a cheaper option in Cameroon's Benjamin Moukandjo. The 22-year old, who can also play as a striker or winger, is available for less than ?3million, following Monaco's relegation from the top flight. [LNB] Arsenal and Liverpool considering ?17m bid for Barca wantaway BojanTevez deadline: Three more years then I'm off home to my girls, says CarlosAll the latest Arsenal news, features and opinionAll the latest Arsenal news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Roberto Mancini Places: Newcastle, Monaco, Liverpool, Monaco, Spain, France, Germany, Cameroon, Europe
