Lille set for Arsenal talks Gunners look set to push ahead with deal for Gervinho The French champions revealed earlier this week that they would refuse to sell the Ivorian star to another Ligue 1 club, ruling out a move to Paris St Germain, who had made contact. But England has always been Gervinho's preferred destination and Arsenal have long been favourites to land him ahead of the likes of Newcastle, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham. Lille's general manager Frederic Paquet has now confirmed they are set to hold talks with Arsenal, who have made contact. "He actually wants to go," Paquet admitted to RMC. "We have developed contacts with Arsenal. We will soon discuss with them to see what they want. "He expressed his desire to leave for England so we'll see what will happen. "Gervinho chose to leave for England, so that limits the scope of the situation. "We will meet soon with Arsenal, see what they offer - but he is a player of value." .
If we get him I really hope that Jayram is right about how good he is. However I think he will be no better than Kalou
Well any back up to RVP is good and probably the most realistic target for a striker we have heard currently
Anyone feel a little bit sorry for Lille? They're getting completely demolished in this transfer window, seems like everyone in their team wants to sign for a Prem club. Cabaye even went to Newcastle - he traded the Champions League for the FA Cup.
They won the french league and their equivelant cup and players want out..... surely they would want to keep that team and build not let their best players go.
Gervinho would be a decent squad player, he can play down the wings offering an alternative to Arshavin down the left with a more direct style. But, imo, we do not need to spend big money on squad players, we need to improve the first XI. Pedro Botelho will be a more than good enough back up to Arshavin, with Ryo Miyaichi to also be considered for the long term. Gervinho isn't a good enough striker to win us titles. Just don't see the need for him... (plus of course, the irritation of the African Nations every other January for the foreseeable future)
no-one should have to be backup to arshavin, Arshavin should only be a bench player, yes i have had enough.
I'm not angry at the attempt to buy Gervinho, but if the intention for him is that he is supposed to be a key player then I would be angry. I rate Gervinho exactly the same as Kalou, a quite good player but not a top quality one. Every big team needs players like them (e.g. Valencia at United and Kalou at Chelsea) to do a job so I am not bothered about the intention to buy him. However, if Wenger wants him as a key player then it will be upsetting because Arsenal football club deserves better than him. If he is intended to be an upgrade on backup players like Rosicky then I will be happy but if he is supposed to be a 1st team player i will be unhappy because I don't think he is good enough for that. Having said all that he may turn out to be a lot better than I have rated him which will make me look like a right dickhead
Thats what my feeling is too. But I will reserve judgment until the summer is over in case he has some other deals up his sleeve.
I admit, it does look like that. But Wenger' may see him as a replacement for Rosicky and Arshavin on the wings. I also agree that a bid for Higuain or Benzema would be a better option for CF / support for RVP - let's hope that a bid for one of them might also be on the cards.
