Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal complete Gervinho signing for £11.2m
Arsenal are finally set to deliver a piece of good news to their fans by confirming the ?11.2m signing of Lille forward Gervinho. [LNB]The Ivorian will finally be unveiled by the Gunners on Thursday after almost a month of wrangling with the French champions, and will jet off with his new team-mates on a tour of Asia early next week.[LNB]In a week when the final member of the Invincibles team of 2004 was moved on, and with Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas likely to follow Gael Clichy out the door, it is welcome news that one of Ligue 1's most exciting players has signed for the club.[LNB] French fancy: Gervinho helped Lille to a first league title in 57 years, scoring 15 goals last season[LNB]Gervinho was a virtual ever-present for Lille last season, scoring 15 times, as they ended a 57-year wait for the league title. He was the only player to reach double figures for both goals and assists (10) last season. [LNB]The 24-year-old will add a more direct approach to Arsenal's attacking play, but standing at just under 6ft, does not represent the steal many believe is sorely missing from their line-up. [LNB]Tottenham attempted to hijack the bid for Gervinho late on, but the Ivory Coast international snubbed his new club's north London rivals. [LNB] Pure delight: The forward has vowed to end Arsenal's own six-year wait for a trophy[LNB]Speaking last week, he said: 'I chose Arsenal because it's a young group within which I will be able to integrate easily. I could develop more over there. [LNB]'A risk? Not at all. I'm going to Arsenal to play. The best risk to take is to look to score goals and to play a lot. In football you have to take risks if you want to win. I'm going to Arsenal to win.'[LNB]The lure of Champions League football was influential in the Ivorian choosing the Emirates over White Hart Lane and he is also looking forward to playing in England.[LNB]He added: 'The Premier League is a notch above. It's maybe the best league in the world. I want to live that sensation.[LNB] Exodus: Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas are likely to follow Gael Clichy and leave the Gunners this week[LNB]'I'm going there to play, not to be on the bench. Arsenal love the game. And I love teams that love the game.'[LNB]Gervinho is only the Gunners second signing of a demoralising transfer window, and he follows Charlton and Finland Under 19 defender Carl Jenkinson to the Emirates. [LNB]Much of the business has focussed on departures with Nasri - who is nearing a ?19m switch to Manchester City - and Fabregas - who has his heart set on a return to Barcelona - almost certain to continue the exodus.[LNB]Manager Arsene Wenger will also look to jettison some of his fringe players, with the likes of Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner expected to move on ahead of the new campaign. [LNB] Martin Samuel: Face it, Arsenal can no longer attract a genuine superstarChelsea ready to join the race for wantaway Arsenal midfielder NasriArsenal new boy Gervinho vows to help end their six-year trophy droughtHazard warning! Arsenal and United told to keep their hands off Lille star EdenAll the latest Arsenal news, features and opinion[LNB]
