[size=6]Gervinho agrees deal to join Arsenal[/size]

Arsenal Football Club announces that Ivory Coast international forward Gervinho will shortly join the Gunners, subject to a regulatory process.

Gervinho, 24, will arrive at Arsenal from French side Lille, who he helped to a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season with 15 goals in 40 games.

The campaign capped a very successful two years for Gervinho, during which time he netted 28 times in his 67 appearances for Les Gogues. Before joining Lille, Gervinho enjoyed two seasons with Le Mans, also in Ligue 1.

On the international stage, Gervinho captained the Ivory Coast in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and also represented his country at the 2010 World Cup, scoring twice in just three substitute appearances during qualification to the finals. To date, Gervinho has made 27 appearances in total for Les Eléphants, scoring six goals.

The forward came through the same Ivorian youth academy - ASEC Mimosas - as Emmanuel Eboue, before following in the right-back’s footsteps to join Belgian side KSK Beveren.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gervinho-agrees-deal-to-join-arsenal

I could see Wenger looking at Gibbs and Vermaelen and thinking thats LB covered rather than parting with money. I think if we move for Cahill it will be on deadline day, Bolton need the money and wont want him to leave on Bosman next year and I dont think they be holding out for his full buyout clause on the last day.

Arsene Wenger has insisted Arsenal will not sign a new left back - and has admitted Thomas Vermaelen could play there next season.

Arsenal boss Wenger sold Gael Clichy to Manchester City for £7m and has scouted Leighton Baines and Jose Enrique as replacements in the past.

But Wenger's priorities lie elsewhere as he wants a centre half and to strengthen his midfield with Gary Cahill and Juan Mata top of his list.

That means Wenger will look to Kieran Gibbs, Armand Traore and, most interestingly, Vermaelen - as revealed in Mirror Sport - next season.

Why wouldn't you play a DM when you have Song and Djorou? Unless you classify song as CM

Gervinho can play anywhere in there really,

-----------RVP/Gervinho------------
Nasri/Gervinho-----Walcott/Gervinho
-------------Fabregas--------------
------Wilshere------Song-----------

Edited by gooner4life_8: 12/7/2011 10:10:55 PM

Gervinho will also help with the eventual development of Theo moving into the centre which is where he will end up.

Err... why? His best asset is pace so why would you move him to area where it is less effective?

Probably easily my 2 favourite Arsenal GIF's :lol:

[size=6]Wenger pays tribute to 'exceptional' Vieira[/size]

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger has paid tribute to Patrick Vieira after the Arsenal legend called time on his playing career.

Vieira has retired at the age of 35 and taken up a new position as Football Development Executive at his final club, Manchester City. But he will of course be remembered for his exploits at Highbury after making 406 appearances and winning seven major trophies in a nine-year spell at Highbury.

The Frenchman captained Arsenal to an unbeaten Premier League campaign in 2003/04 and his former manager appreciates what he brought to the Club.

"You can only have lot of respect for what Patrick has achieved," said Wenger. "His career is sensational. He was an exceptional player for us.

"We have classy players in midfield now but Patrick was special. He was a tall player with good technique.

"You do not compare [old players with new players]. We have exceptional players in midfield with their own character. But at Arsenal we will be forever grateful for Patrick’s contribution."
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-hails-exceptional-vieira