Gervinho set for Arsenal talks

Arsenal are scheduled to open talks with Lille over the signing of the French champions' striker Gervinho, according to the club's general manager.

Ivory Coast international Gervinho has long been linked with a move to the Emirates. The 23-year-old, who registered 15 goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season, has now told the club he helped to the French league and Cup double that he is ready to move on.

Lille general manager Frederic Paquet told RMC: "He wants to go and has developed contacts with Arsenal.

"We will soon have talks with them and see what they offer.

"He has expressed a desire to go to England and we will see what happens."

Paquet also revealed that he would only countenance selling Gervinho to a foreign club to avoid bolstering one of his club's rivals.

He added: "Paris St Germain inquired but we are not thinking about strengthening a competitor."