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.The 24-year old will decide his future after returning from international duty tomorrow and is known to favour a move to the Emirates.But City's late intervention has left Arsene Wenger fretting over whether he can secure his main attacking target. Hair raising: Gervinho (right) fired 15 goals in Ligue 1 as Lille secured the third title in their historyIn demand: GervinhoSportsmailunderstands 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.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.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.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.Newcastle, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham had all enquired about him but were forced to withdraw after falling short of requirements.City are lurking with ominous intent, though, and Arsenal fear their financial muscle could yet prove decisive.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.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.'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. 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 Explore more:People: Roberto Mancini Places: Newcastle, Monaco, Liverpool, Monaco, Spain, France, Germany, Cameroon, Europe