Premier league: Arsenal confirm the signing of Gervinho, Lille striker

Arsene Wenger has confirmed the signing of Ivorian Lille striker Gervinho from Lille. Gervinho scored 15 goals and assisted 10 in league one and played a major role in Lille title win, the first in 57 years and Cup double. Gervinho became the second player to arrive at Emirates club after signing of full-back Carl Jenkinson from Charlton Athletic. Wenger also intend to keep Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri at Emirates.

The Ivorian International had played for Beveren 2005-2007 (61 games, 14 goals), Le Mans 2007-2009 (59 games, 9 goals) and Lille 2009-2011 (67 games, 28 goals) during his senior career. He caped 27 games and scored 6 at Côte d'Ivoire national teams.

Gervinho became the tenth Ivorian in Premier league, joining Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Abdul Razak, Kolo Toure and Yaya Toure (Manchester City, Cheik Ismael Tiote (Newcastle), Abdoulaye Meite (Westbromwich Albion) and Steve Gohouri (Wigan). All Premier league transfers 2011-2012

Gervinho at Lille and Ivory Coast national team