Arsenal confirm Gervinho deal agreed

Gervinho has links to new Arsenal team-mate and compatriot Emmanuel Eboue as the two came through the same youth academy in their native country (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Lille for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, subject to "a regulatory process".

Gervinho, 24, has been heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates in recent weeks and now looks set to complete the move in the coming days.

A statement on the Premier League club's website read: "Arsenal Football Club announces that Ivory Coast international forward Gervinho will shortly join the Gunners, subject to a regulatory process."

The Ivorian scored 15 goals and was instrumental in Lille winning the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season. He has also represented his country on 27 occasions, including at the 2010 World Cup, scoring six times.

Gervinho has links to new Arsenal team-mate and compatriot Emmanuel Eboue as the two came through the same youth academy in their native country.

The transfer was confirmed on the same day that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger restated his belief that both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri would remain at the club, despite ongoing speculation linking them with big-money moves away from the Gunners.

Captain Fabregas has again been linked with a return to Barcelona but no deal has been struck, with the clubs unable to agree a valuation for the 24-year-old.

Nasri has only 12 months left on his Arsenal contract and has yet to indicate his willingness to sign a new one. Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with the France midfielder who enjoyed his best season to date at the Emirates Stadium last term.

However, Wenger sounded positive today that both would be lining up for the Gunners in August.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur as Arsenal began their pre-season preparations, Wenger told Sky Sports News: "Cesc loves the club and hopefully we will manage. We know that this story for Barcelona has gone on for years now, we have to close that and focus on the season, hopefully with Cesc Fabregas."

Asked about Nasri, Wenger added: "Will he be at the club next season? I say yes. The second part (of the question) - will he sign a new contract? I hope yes, but I am not the only one to decide."