Transfer news: Gervinho hits out at Arsene Wenger over his unsuccessful spell with Arsenal

Forward joined Roma in the summer after an unsuccessful two years at the Emirates

Gervinho has criticised his former manager Arsene Wenger over his lack of playing time at Arsenal (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Arsenal winger Gervinho has hit out at Arsene Wenger, claiming it was his fault that the Ivorian short career with Arsenal ended in disappointment.

The 26-year-old joined Roma this summer after a two-year spell with the Gunners, having joined from Ligue 1 side Lille for £10.8m. Gervinho was brought in to give Wenger another attacking option, but after proving largely inconsistent and scoring just nine goals in two years, he was allowed to leave for a fresh start in Serie A.

Gervinho cut a frustrating figure during his time at the Emirates, earning a reputation for his inability to finish in front of goal despite showing glimpse of brilliance to work scoring chances. Wenger eventually dropped the Ivory Coast international from his first-team, choosing to deploy Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wing instead.

But speaking to The Sun, he has blamed Wenger for not giving him enough time on the pitch causing the forward to lose confidence in his own ability.

“I was not getting much time on the pitch and was in need of this time to improve and play my best football,” Gervinho said.

“Wenger was not prepared to give it to me.

“Also my position on the wing was not what I was expecting and I wasn't happy with it.”

With Gervinho leaving the Gunners, Wenger moved to bring in Real Madrid attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil after the Spanish side had secured the world-record signing of Gareth Bale.

Roma in-turn sold 21-year-old forward Erik Lamela to Tottenham as Bale’s replacement, with the transfer merry-go-round kicking into gear on deadline day as Arsenal stole the headlines with their capture of Ozil.