"He is an official Arsenal player. Gervinho has joined
training today at London Colney (in England)," Arsenal manager Arsene
Wenger told a news conference during the club's pre-season trip to Malaysia.
The arrival of Gervinho, who scored 28 goals in 67 games for
Ligue 1 champions Lille over the last two seasons, comes amid speculation that
top midfielders Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas could leave despite Wenger
sounding confident that both would stay put.
Asked whether he expected Fabregas to stay, Wenger said:
"Yes. As simple as that.
"I have never spoken about what has happened behind
closed doors but Cesc loves the club. We know the Barcelona story goes on for
years now and we have to close that. Now we focus on the new season, hopefully
with Cesc Fabregas," the club website (www.arsenal.com) quoted him as
saying.
"There is always speculation when a player has one year
to go on his contract that he might leave the club but Samir Nasri is very
happy at the club and committed to stay at the club," added the Frenchman.
"I hope he will sign a new contract but I am not the
only one to decide that." British media reported that Gervinho, who
generally operated on the right of a front three for last season's surprise
French double winners, had cost 12.0 million pounds ($19.3 million).
Gervinho, whose full name is Gervais Yao Kouassi, moved to
Belgium League side Beveren when he was 17 before heading to France where he
played for Le Mans before joining Lille two years ago.
He has represented his country at both the Olympics and last
year's World Cup.
Forward
Niklas Bendtner and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia have both been linked with moves
away from Arsenal in the media.
