Gervinho says Arsenal want him

Ivory Coast international Gervinho has revealed that Arsene Wenger and Arsenal are interested in landing him. The Le Mans forward has also been linked with a move to Newcastle. Gervinho is valued at around £2.5 million.

“I know Wenger likes signing young players," he said. "I prefer to stay in Le Mans and learn my trade at the club that gave me a chance to be linked with a big club.

“When I arrived at Le Mans nobody knew me, I had to work hard to get into the first-team. Today I am a bit known in Europe.

"Arsenal have spoken to my agents and they are looking at it. Arsenal are a big team, they have made it clear they want me.

"However, [Le Mans director Henri Legarda] is saying no to them. My club is refusing any discussion with Arsenal because they do not want me to go.

"My contract runs out in 2010 and they are keen to extend my deal.”