Yao Gervinho

A versatile attacking player who signed for Arsenal in July 2011.

Gervinho made his debut for the Gunners in the opening game of the 2011-12 season at Newcastle when he had the misfortune to receive a red card, but after this he quickly settled into life at the Emirates Stadium.

After featuring regularly in the line-up in the first half of the campaign he missed time out whilst on international duty then found it difficult to get back in the side and mostly featured as a substitute. He is mostly used in a wide attacking role, but can also be used as a central striker if required. Gervinho first came to Europe as a teenager, spending two seasons in Belgium with Beveren before moving on to Le Mans and then Lille.

He enjoyed considerable success with Lille, helping the team to a domestic league and cup double in 2010-11 before his move to North London. He won his first cap for Ivory Coast in 2007 and has now played 40 times for his country.

He was a member of the team that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in February 2012 only to lose out on penalties to Zambia.