Friday, 24th June, 2011

Lille have refused an offer from Arsenal for Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, demanding the Gunners increase their bid.

Gervinho is keen to move to the Premier League and initial discussions have been positive, but Arsenal will have to improve their bid should they wish to convince Lille to sell.

Sources in France suggest that the French champions were unhappy with the amount put on the table by Arsene Wenger’s side and dismissed the bid out of hand, telling Arsenal in no uncertain terms that they rate their 24-year-old star in a higher price bracket.



However, talks between the two clubs are continuing, with each side keen to find common ground.

A number of other clubs, including Newcastle United, are known to be monitoring the situation and could yet enter the fray with a higher offer.

Gervinho turned out 35 times in Lille’s Ligue 1-winning campaign last season, finding the back of the net on 15 occasions.

The Ivory Coast star though believes it is time to move on to a bigger league, with the Premier League his priority.


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