Gervinho moves closer to Arsenal exit after Marseille confirm their interest

Ivory Coast forward could be on his way out of the Emirates with Marseille a likely destination

Arsenal's Ivorian striker Gervinho (R) could be on his way out of the club after Marseille confirm their interest (Getty Images)

Arsenal forward Gervinho looks closer to a departure from the Emirates after Marseille confirmed their interest in the former Lille player.

Marseille’s assistant coach Franck Passi said: “This is a profile that interests us, yes. We want flank players, with dribbling, passing and scoring and Gervinho has this profile.”

The Ivory Coast international has struggled to make an impact during his time with the Gunners, scoing just 11 goals since he joined the club in 2011, compared to fellow attacker Theo Walcott’s record of 32 in the same period.

The 26-year-old cost the North London club £11m, but manager Arsene Wenger looks set to allow Gervinho to leave in favour of some big name signings as he prepares to spend up to £70m as he revamps his faltering squad.

Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain have been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer, and with England’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain set to feature in the first-team more than he has done, Gervinho could well find himself with limited opportunities should he remain at the club.

He made just 18 league appearances last season, scoring five goals, and he cut a frustrating figure for Arsenal fans as they salvaged a fourth-place finish on the last day of the season, seeing off bitter rivals Tottenham.

Marseille are also believed to be interested in Sporting Lisbon winger Diego Capel as they continue their hunt for wide, expansive payers.