Lille’s Ivorian forward Gervinho is causing quite a stir among a variety of English clubs in the transfer market as they battle it out for his signature. The player has made his intentions clear to current club Lille that he wants a move away, with the Premiership the most likely destination. Now it looks like the only question mark remaining is which Premiership club will he decide to join over the coming weeks?
Newcastle initially appeared to emerge as genuine contenders for Gervinho’s services, but without the prospect European football they would seem to be the least attractive prospect for the forward. There is however a lifeline for the Toon in the form of Gervinho’s former team mate Yohan Cabaye. Cabaye who recently signed for Newcastle is said to have told Gervinho to follow his lead to Tyneside, although whether Cabaye’s powers of persuasion will convince Gervinho to join him remain to be seen. The other interested parties are believed to be Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City, with Arsenal and Man City looking like the main contenders. On Friday reports in the press suggested Arsenal had had a bid accepted for Gervinho and the player was in talks over a deal with the Gunners. He looked to be on his way to the Emirates until the news surfaced that Manchester City had also had a bid accepted and had offered a substantially higher wage to secure the player.
With nothing finalised and plenty of Premier League clubs clambering for his services what is it about Gervinho that is so appealing and will he be a hit in the Premier League? He was an integral factor in Lille’s double winning side last season in which he showed his ability in front of goal by weighing in with fifteen league goals. As well as his goal scoring tendencies he is also blessed with quick feet, trickery, pace and technical ability, attributes that will all serve him well in the fast pace of the Premier League. Although he is a forward Gervinho can also operate on either wing which adds versatility to his game. Gervinho’s style of play would be well suited to Arsenal and it’s no coincidence that he has been on the radar of Arsene Wenger for a number of years.
Gervinho’s slight build may mean the physical nature of the Premiership will take some getting used to but it’ s not something that will phase him and anything he lacks in strength will be compensated for by his quick feet and pace. Gervinho would be following a number of his compatriots in coming to England with the likes of Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Cheik Tiote all adapting well to the demands of the Premier League. If Gervinho takes to the Premiership in the same way as his fellow countrymen have then he will be a hit in England. Furthermore, for a price believed to be in the region of £10 million whichever club wins the race to sign him will be adding an exciting addition to their squad for a bargain price.
Gervinho has been quoted on SkySports.com as saying “My agents are moving things as I want, people know where my future lies, it is in England.” So now all we are waiting to see is which club Gervinho will be representing next season.
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