Tag Archives: Gervinho

Gervinho penalty miss leads to Zambia victory

  By jtom | 13/02/2012 - 7:30 AM | Gervinho, International Arsenal
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It came down to penalties in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, and Gervinho clearly refused to take a spot-kick when Ivory Coast manager Francois Zahoui had requested him to step up. Finally, the Arsenal winger did take his turn as the 17th participant in the shoot-out and his strike was horribly wide. Stophira Sunzu won the African championship for Zambia on the next and final kick of the match.

I really don’t know what’s worse- refusing to take the penatly or wildly missing the penalty. Gervinho was one of the Ivory Coast’s most dangerous attacking players throughout the ninety minutes, yet he was one of the last players to step up to take on the pressure of converting a spot-kick. Apparently, even Gervinho is aware of his own inability to consistently finish chances.

Ironically, Kolo Toure, who went just before Gervinho, was the other Ivory Coast player to not convert his penalty. Thankfully for Kolo, Zambia’s Rainford Kalaba blew the opportunity to seal the win on the next kick. How did two players who have worn the red-and-white kit of Arsenal fail to perform in the dying moments of an international final?

However, Gunners weren’t the only ones to disappoint the supporters of Les Elephants. Gervinho won a penalty after making a darting run into Zambian box, but Drogba’s effort from the spot sailed high over the net. It’s the second time the Chelsea striker has missed a penalty in an Africa Cup of Nations final.

Even with the presence of Gervinho and former Gunners Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue on the side of the Ivory Coast, it’s difficult not to have your heart warmed by Zambia’s historic triumph.

In 1993, all but a couple members of the Zambian national side died in an aircraft disaster in Gabon on their way to a World Cup Qualifying match. The final on Sunday took place in a stadium not far from where the accident occurred.

Add to that the fact that a majority of Zambia’s players apply their trade in the Zambian league, and Hollywood script writers have a ready-made story for their next dramatic film. Up against players who have adorned some of the most famous kits of Europe, Zambia conquered the mighty Ivory Coast on their way to their first African title.

In spite of all the talk about handshakes and racism, football has again proven to be a highway for dreams and fairy tales.

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Barton: Gervinho incident kept me from joining Arsenal

  By jtom | 22/09/2011 - 7:45 AM | Gervinho
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Joey Barton has revealed that his brawl with Gervinho ended his chance of moving to the Emirates. Arsenal supporters should be praising Gervinho for keeping the QPR thug away from the club.

The incident occurred when Barton was still at Newcastle. During the first match of the season at St James’ Park, Barton picked Gervinho up by his shirt ,and Gervinho gave a slight tap to Barton’s cheek. Barton then dramatically fell to the ground in mock pain, and Gervinho was given a straight red card.

The current QPR thug had this to say to BBC Sport: “If I hadn’t played against Arsenal, I may have signed for them. There were a couple of conversations [with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger] but that’s different to actually signing.

“The Gervinho incident happened and there’s nothing I can do about it now. If it happened again, I’d like to think I’d deal with it differently.

“Things happen for a reason and there’s a lesson to be learned from it. Right now we sit above Arsenal in the table – hopefully that’s the case in May.”

Gervinho is now officially an Arsenal legend. If Barton’s story is true, then the Ivorian striker saved Arsenal from the controversy and drama that Barton brings to a club.

This week, Barton is having an ongoing fight with Wolves midfielder Karl Henry. Next week, Barton will going after another innocent victim. Arsenal aspire to have a sort of class and dignity, and nothing would do more to take away from that then signing Joey Barton.

It is possible that the QPR thug is just trying to flatter himself. I see no reason why Arsene Wenger would sign Barton. Yes, he is a good Premier League midfielder, but his emotional and Twitter problems could cause a problem in the dressing room. Plus, if we would have signed Barton, we may never have completed a move for Mikel Arteta.

I am not good at writing songs, but someone should come up with a chant thanking Gervinho for his efforts. He bravely took a three-match suspension in order to keep Barton away from the Emirates. Well done!

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Barton, Wilshere lash out over Gervinho incident

  By jtom | 14/08/2011 - 8:15 AM | Jack Wilshere
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Joey Barton answered critics on his Twitter account after his brawl with Gervinho yesterday. Jack Wilshere attacked Barton on Twitter for his behavior in the scoreless draw between Arsenal and Newcastle.

Here is what Barton said on Twitter: “Cheats dive to win pens. If there’s contact go down but dont blatantly try to con the ref. Refs have it hard enough.

“Hopefully, today proves my commitment, if it was ever in doubt? ‘Imagine if I’d stamped on Song, all the numptys would be out calling for a public execution. Cos its on me its alright? #hypocrites.

“What do people want me to do, stand and trade blows with Gervinho. If you raise your hands to players faces, you should be off. Ref got it right…

“Maybe I shouldn’ have got involved but diving and trying to win a penalty, is ****. Needs stamping out (No pun).”

Then, Barton admitted that he went down easy on the Gervinho slap: “I went down easy, no doubt. Still cant raise ur hands. Ref got it right.”

Barton is complaining about Gevinho’s “dive” (it wasn’t a dive) even when he admits that he went down too easy. Joey Barton is a menace to the Premier League. Good thing I never endorsed an Arsenal signing of this Newcastle thug.

But then Barton went overboard: “Correct or stamped on 1 of there [sic] players. I’d of been hung, drawn and quartered by u mob? Fact not conjecture.”

Barton is using hyperbole in an attempt to plead his case to reporters. He simply fell to the ground in order to get a player sent off. I wonder what Barton would have done if Gervinho went down like that if the shoe was on the other foot.

Jack Wilshere, who missed the match due to injury, reacted to the Barton-Gervinho fight on his Twitter: “That is not football! I am pretty sure abu diaby got sent off for that last year!

“I think @joey7barton was in the wrong today! He should not have got invovled [sic] and assaulted Gerviniho like that #justsaying.
 
“Maybe Gerviniho [sic] should not have reacted like he did as two wrongs dont make a right but barton was unprofessional!
 
“@joey7barton that is a form of assault my friend it should not happen on a football pitch!”
 
To be fair, Barton did not commit assault. In fact, this sort of behavior has been commonplace in football, and Barton relishes in starting scuffles on the pitch. Fabio Capello will not select Barton for the England squad because of incidents like yesterday’s dust up.
 
What really really learned is that footballers do not have much sense when it comes to proper grammar.
 
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Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal: Barton sparks brawl

  By jtom | 14/08/2011 - 6:43 AM | Match Report
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Gervinho was shown a red card late in the match after a scuffle with Joey Barton. The match finished scoreless between Newcastle and Arsenal at St James’ Park in the first match of the new season. Neither side looked like winning the match, and the Gooner faithful were left disappointed.

The biggest moment of the match came in the 75th minute. Gervinho was tripped up in the box, and Joey Barton thought that Gervinho had taken a dive. The Newcastle thug yanked Gervinho up to his feet by his shirt, and the two wrestled with one another.

As the brawl went on, Joey Barton collapsed to the ground in pain. Barton claimed the Gervinho had punched him, when, in reality, the Ivorian only lightly tapped Barton on the head. Gervinho was sent off, while the instigator, Barton, was only given a yellow card.

Barton was in a foul mood after being stepped on by Alex Song in the 58th minute. After a collision which left Barton on the ground, Song appeared to stamp on Barton’s leg. The Arsenal midfielder had already been given a yellow card. The Magpie bad boy cried to the officials, and was later rewarded by getting Gervinho sent off.

Here is how Arsene Wenger reacted to the incident (from Arsenal.com): “I think I saw two yellows or two reds but not one yellow and one red.

“There is a link between the incident [and Diaby’s sending off last season]. He got away with a yellow card both years.”

Wenger tolf the BBC: “I don’t understand the red card. I am 100% sure the referee did not see what happened.

“Will I appeal? I will have a good look at it but I am tempted to say yes.”

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew told the BBC: “He [Gervinho] dived, there is no doubt about that. Joey’s reaction was to chastise him and then there was a tussle. But then he slapped him and you can’t do that.

“Joey was incensed. When a fellow professional dives, that gets your back up. Joey is an opinionated guy. He has opinions and expressed them.”

Pardew must not have seen when Gervinho “slapped” Barton, because the Newcastle man fell to the ground in fake agony. Barton was not happy that Gervinho “dived,” so he decided to do a little acting of his own. What a hypocrite!

In fact, when analysed on replay, Gervinho did not take a dive after all. It looks like he was just clipped by the Newcastle defender and then lost his balance. Barton should seek professional help for his temper.

Aside from that incident, the match was uneventful. Both sides were easing back into competitive play. Arsenal’s passing looked sloppy in the first half, and the Gunners were still in pre-season mode. In the second half, the Arsenal midfield showed more life, but the match was disrupted by the fight.

Gervinho, aside from the sending off, did not have a great performance. He is clearly still settling into Premier League football. Gervinho used his pace and technical ability to make runs down the flanks, but failed to accomplish anything when it was time to cross the ball.

The Gunners were very hesistant to take a shot. Arsenal had the same problem last year, and Gervinho looked afraid to take a strike.

Robin van Persie had several goal opportunities. His best chances came at the end of the first half. RVP had trouble getting the ball over to his left foot, and he was unable or unwilling to take a stab with his right foot. Arshavin lifted a beautiful chip to the Dutchman in the 43rd minute, but Robin was easily edged out of the play by Steven Taylor.

Koscielny and Vermaelen started at the back, and both played well. Wenger said it best (telling Arsenal.com): “If we had conceded a goal I would have been bombarded with questions about why I don’t buy a centre back! They have to take credit.”

Wojceich Szczesny was strong in the air when Newcastle started launching the ball towards the heads. In the 17th minute, Szczesny rushed out of his goal and out of the penalty area to head the ball away from Newcastle striker Demba Ba.

Theo Walcott started the match on the bench because of injury concern. He did make an appearance after Wenger took off Andrey Arshavin in the 61st minute. Walcott took a hard strike right after coming on, but it was held by Newcastle keeper Tim Crul.

Arsenal racked up five yellow cards and one red card in the opening match. Szczesny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Rosicky, and Song were all cautioned. Song should have been shown another yellow card after he stamped on Barton.

The Gunners may not be welcomed back at the Emirates for their first home match this Tuesday against Udinese. Arsenal supporters have been frustrated with the probable sale of Nasri and Fabregas, and there was not much to lift their spirits today.

 Arsene Wenger said his team will “learn from this today.” The Gunners had better learn quickly because Champion League qualifiers against Udinese, and Premier League matches against Liverpool and Manchester United are fast approaching.

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Match Report: Arsenal 2-2 Boca Juniors

  By jtom | 30/07/2011 - 9:10 PM | Gervinho, Match Report, Players, Transfer News
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Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip in the second half against Boca Juniors.  Robin van Persie and Aaron Ramsey were the goal scorers for Arsenal, but the lead was wiped away by goals from Lucas Viatri and Pablo Mouche.  Arsene Wenger spoke after the match about recent transfer speculation.

Gervinho used his electric pace to set up Robin van Persie for the first goal of the match.  The Ivorian put a cross right into the Dutchman’s lap, and RVP finished it off in the 29th minute.  Gervinho was the centre of many Arsenal attacks this afternoon.

Carlos Vela set up Aaron Ramsey for the Gunners’ second goal in the 46th minute .  The Mexican made a brilliant run around three defenders before he was finally taken down.  The ball rolled to Ramsey, and the Welshman fired it into the back of the net.  Ramsey has shown a lot of confidence leading up the the season.

Two quick goals in the second half from Boca Juniors negated all of Arsenal’s hard work.  Juan Roman Riquelme is a midfield general, and he was at the centre of Boca’s attack. 

In the 68 minute, Lucas Vitari cut Arsenal’s lead to one with a powerful shot past Vito Mannone.  The goal was a result of a give-away from Sebastien Squillaci.  How is Squillaci still getting playing time?

Then, three minutes later, Boca substitute Pablo Mouche scored the equaliser, much to the dismay of the Gooner faithful.  Mouche out-muscled Johan Djourou and was alone with Mannone.  The keeper was helpless as the Boca man slid the ball into the net.

Visions of last season were present in the supporters minds.  Another two-goal lead coughed up, just another day at the office for the Arsenal defenders.  Arsene Wenger needs to act now or what we saw today could become a common theme once again.

Gervinho was really the only bright spot.  He was making his debut at the Emirates Stadium, and his pace and skill are already winning over the Gooner faithful.  Gervinho is proving to be a terrific partner for RVP.

Here is what Arsene Wenger had to say after the match about his new striker:  “… Gervinho is a good addition to our squad.  He is very interesting because he gives us options on both sides and through the middle.  He can integrate well with our team.

“We can be extremely dangerous on the counter-attack with the players we have, we have Walcott who was not involved today, we have Gervinho and with the midfield we have I believe we can be very quick in the transition to go forwards, so that is always something very interesting.  He can add that.”

Speed on the counter-attack is exactly what the squad was missing last season.  Walcott tried to speed up the play, but too often the team relied on short lateral passes and slow build-up play.  Arsene Wenger needs to use his squad’s quickness to hurt the opponent.

When asked about the committment of his two stars, Wenger replied:  “I don’t know.  I play the players who are available and Nasri is available so I play him.  Yesterday, I made a check up of all our situations and, I must tell you, nothing has moved since yesterday.  Not one way, nor another way.
 
“If Fabregas is committed to this Club and wants to stay, no money will get him out of here.  We are not in a position where we need to sell our players.  We want to keep our players.  We are not looking after money.  We want the players to stay here, from our side that is clear.”

Good for Wenger.  He is getting continually battered with questions about Nasri and Fabregas, and his position is well known.  Arsene wants both to stay but is willing to sell them at the right price.  No player is bigger than the club, and Fabregas and Nasri are not for sale.  If they want to go, then Wenger will let them.

Wenger again said that he wants the Nasri situation sorted within the “next two weeks.”  Wenger also addressed the inevitable departures of Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Eboue: 

“They are both on the verge of a move but nothing has been concluded with anybody. I don’t have any club in mind for Nicklas Bendtner because we are far from having done anything with anybody. I cannot give you any club because we have given him the permission to move.”

When asked about Valencia winger Juan Mata, Wenger gave a broad answer about how players move in the transfer market.  Nothing ground-breaking, as the boss tends to generalize the transfer market every other day.

Arsenal will take on Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls tomorrow at 11:20 BST.

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Gervinho scores two to lead Arsenal to victory

  By jtom | 23/07/2011 - 7:35 PM | Gervinho, Injury News, Match Report, Players
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Gervinho made his Arsenal debut earlier today in stunning fashion.  The Ivorian striker netted both Arsenal goals as the Gunners surged past FC Cologne 2-1.  Cologne’s only tally came on an embarrassing own goal by Carl Jenkinson.

Jack Wilshere was key in both Gervinho goals.  In the 7th minute, Wilshere unleashed a brilliant through ball that found Gervinho.  The Ivorian lifted the ball over the keeper for the easy finish.  I say easy because that is how it  appeared.  The finish was really very skillful.

Gervinho struck again in the 15th minute.  Jack Wilshere threaded a ball to Theo Walcott, right by a stretching Cologne defender.  Walcott put a low cross into the middle and Gervinho stuffed it in while colliding with the Cologne keeper Michael Rensing.  Rensing had to leave the game after the impact.

Gervinho was substituted in the 29th minute for precautionary reasons.

Near the end of the first half, Cologne were turning up the pressure, and Carl Jenkinson gave in.  Jenkinson, in an attempt to clear a cross, chipped the ball into the air in the direction of his own goal.  The ball looped magically over Szczesny, who could do nothing about it.

The second half flow was disrupted by changes on both sides.  Regulars Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Bacary Sagna made appearences in the second half.  Besides a few crosses from Sagna, the trio did not make much impact on the match.

Lukas Podolski and Milivoje Novakovic were the main attacking threats for Cologne.  Both tested Szczesny, Mannone, and Fabianski a number of times.  Fabianski made his return from a hampering injury today.

Despite this win, Wenger still needs to buy a defender.  The terrible mistake by Jenkinson was a page right out of the Gunner playbook.  Koscielny will be proud.  But seriously, the mistake could have cost Arsenal the game.

Andrey Arshavin was not at his best today.  His touch and skill was there, but the vision and finishing was not.  The little Russian made poor passes and off-target shots throughout the second half.  If Arshavin was faster, he would be Theo Walcott.

Jack Wilshere is a reason to forget about Nasri and Fabregas.  The Englishman showed his pure class and skill today with his runs through the middle and excellent passing.  He will have a better season than Fabregas and Nasri, no matter if they stay or go.

Arsene Wenger commented on Gervinho’s performances (told to Arsenal.com):  “He has shown his qualities.  He has quick movement behind [the defence], the timing of his movement is great and he is easy to find.  We have seen what he can bring to the team and he contributes to the high pace we have in the team.”

Gervinho could be this season’s Chicharito.  Although Gervinho was more prominent at Lille than Hernandez was in Mexico, the Ivorian shows the same hunger for the ball.  Both know how to position themselves to scrape a goal past the opposition.  And finally, the two are supreme finishers.

Here is what Wenger had to say about the match afterwords: “We played at a good pace in the first half and looked dangerous.  Gervinho had a good start and that is always important for his confidence.  Overall, I liked today.  We took many risks and were exposed to counter-attacks but, overall, I am happy.”

Kieran Gibbs left Arsenal wide open for the counter-attack.  Sometimes he would be pushed farther up the pitch than the winger.  Gibbs is more of a winger than a left back.  He either needs to share more of the defensive responsiblities or he needs to be replaced.

Connor Henderson, who came on as a late sub for Gibbs, suffered an ugly injury to his leg late in the game.  Arsenal Wenger commented on the incident:  “The only sad thing today is the injury to Conor Henderson, it looks quite bad but let us hope that we have good news tomorrow morning.  He twisted his knee, I don’t know how big the damage is but the first signs don’t look too encouraging.”

Arsenal will take part in the Emirates Cup next weekend.  Many Gooners, like myself, will be looking forward to the match against the New York Red Bulls.  The American team features Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.  What will Arsenal do to prepare during the week?  Arsene has the answer:

“Training, training, training! Morning and afternoon.  It is a block of work that will be very intense for us.  Tomorrow will be an easier day but Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be higher levels of work.”

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Wenger: Nasri may leave Arsenal

  By jtom | 22/07/2011 - 7:20 PM | Injury News, Players, Transfer News
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Arsene Wenger has been defiant in recent weeks when talking about Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.  Earlier today, the boss admitted that the Nasri situation is “not completely sorted.”  Wenger also confirmed that Cesc will miss the trip to Germany, and that the Fabregas dilemma “is not settled.”

Here is what Wenger told Arsenal.com:  “[It is] not completely [sorted that Samir will stay] but I want him to stay. He knows that. Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks.”

Manchester City are still firmly in the hunt for Nasri.  Mancini is the odds-on favourite to sign the talented Frenchman.  Wenger may look to Valencia midfielder Juan Mata to replace Nasri.

Nasri’s first wish was to end up at Old Trafford.  If he is determined to join the Red Devils, Nasri may wait out his current deal at the Emirates and leave on a free transfer to United.  This is certainly the worst case scenario for Arsenal.

Wenger also spoke about Cesc Fabregas on Arsenal.com:  “[Fabregas] has not completely recovered from his muscular injury. It is too early for him, he is not ready.

“As long as the situation is not settled, we have to focus on the coming season with the players we have. The players who are uncertain, it is difficult for them to focus on being completely committed.”

The Cesc ordeal needs to be resolved quickly.  If he commits to Arsenal, then possibly Nasri signs a new contract.  If Fabregas joins Barcelona, then Wenger can look to replace him and the team can move forward without their captain.  The current climate of constant rumours and speculation cannot be good for the squad.

Gervinho will likely make his Arsenal debut tomorrow.  Wenger verifyed today that the former Lille striker will be making the trip to Germany for the match tomorrow against FC Cologne.

Wenger revealed that Abou Diaby will miss the start of the season with an injury:  “Diaby is out longer term so that is why I do not speak about him.  We do not count Diaby for August.  He will miss the start of the season for sure.”

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Wenger: Arsenal can win the league

  By jtom | 15/07/2011 - 9:15 AM | Uncategorized
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Arsene Wenger has been talking his side up in Malyasia.  He believes that Arsenal are good enough to win the league this season.  Apparently, they are ready to reach their full potential.  We have heard it all before:

“I believe we are perfectly good enough.  What we did last year, considering the age of the squad and the problems we had with injuries, was a credit to the team and we have a good opportunity now to show that we have the quality.  If you are a winner, you say: ‘We were very close last year, let’s do it this year.’  You come back.

“I believe that the real destiny of this team is now there.  They know as well as I know that we were very, very close last season.  We intend to show everybody that we can do it.  We are a young team and we can only be better. It demands the strength of character that the champions have.  That’s what we want to show.”

Wenger is much more optimistic now than he was at the end of the season.  Arsene even admits that last season’s collapse took a real toll on him:  “It was because I took full responsibility for what happened.  I knew at some stage that it was lost and I had so much hope for the team, because through November and December, you could feel that the team had really taken off and could win everything. And it was so close.

“The last part of it was certainly the toughest [of his career] because emotionally it was very difficult because we were on a low.  You could see that the last three or four weeks were very difficult.”

It is really tough for Gooners to get excited for the coming season.  Of course we cannot wait for football, but we still have last season freshly burned into our brains.  Two of of our best players’ futures are uncertain  All of that can be forgotten, though, if Wenger’s squad can defy the media critics and win the league this season.

Arsene looks refreshed.  He really needed that time off to clear his head.  At several points last season, Wenger abandoned his cool, calm, and collected mentality and turned to the bottle.  That bottle took quite a beating.

Wenger also spoke about his new signing, Gervinho, having similar traits to Thierry Henry:  “Exactly.  He has qualities that are interesting because he has good movement off the ball, he is very quick and he can play up front, left and right.  He can score goals, he can provide … so he can contribute greatly to the offensive efficiency of the team.  He is a signing to excite the Arsenal supporters.”

Gervinho definitely has the skill set to impress and arouse the Arsenal faithful.  But he is not a huge signing that gets fans excited in July.  Gervinho was playing in the France last season, and many Gooners, including me, do not keep up with Ligue 1.  You would think by now that we would, being as future Gunners are on display each week.

Optimism is in the air in Asia as a new season is about to begin.  Wenger is getting his players in top shape through vigorous training.  Rumours are swirling but no “Arsenal exodus” or “Arsepocalypse” has occurred just yet.  In fact, there are many young players (Jenkinson, Miyaichi, Frimpong) and a new signing (Gervinho) to be excited about.

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Arsenal Sign Gervinho

  By jtom | 11/07/2011 - 4:28 PM | Uncategorized
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11 July 2011: It is official.  Arsenal has completed their first signing of the season today.  Gervinho has been signed to deal, and the transfer fee is reported to be around £11 million.  The Ivorian striker was key to Lille’s French double-winning side last season.  This news may begin to quiet the media dubbed “Arsenal collapse.”

Gervinho, 24-years old, can play either as a winger or a forward.  Wenger will likely use him as a striker to complement RVP up top.  Gervinho can find the net, scoring 18 goals in all competitions for Lille last season.  He also chipped in for 10 assists.

The big question is how quickly will Gervinho adapt to the Premier League/English style of play.  He will miss time once the African Cup of Nations rolls around in the winter, and that will not help him.  The tournament runs from 21 January to 12 February.  Expect Ivory Coast to advance far as one of the favourites.

Gervinho has scored six goals in 27 apearances for his country.  In fact, Emmanuel Eboue is Gervinho’s mate.  They both came through the ASEC Mimosas youth academy in the Ivory Coast.  Both also spent time together on KSK Beveren in Belgium. 

Gervinho’s arrival is still “subject to a regulatory process” according to Arsenal.com.  But it is a done deal for sure.  Hopefully, this news provides a little peace to those Gooners who are worried about our club.

Check back later for a preview of Arsenal’s Asian tour.

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Arsenal Transfer News: Nasri, Benzema, and More!

  By jtom | 07/07/2011 - 7:30 AM | Uncategorized
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7 July 2011:  Arsenal have rejected a £20m for Samir Nasri from Manchester United.  According to reports, Wenger has launched an aggressive campaign for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.  Barcelona are growing impatient as Cesc negotiations wear on.  The transfer market is really heating up.

Let’s start with the Nasri news.  We have now learned that Alex Ferguson opened the bidding two weeks ago, offering £20m for Nasri.  Arsenal have now rejected that offer and will not let Nasri go for less than £25m.  Manchester United has already spent big this summer, signing Phil Jones, De Gea, and Ashley Young.  Will they hand over more cash in order to improve the centre of their midfield?

This news may open the door for Manchester City.  Mancini will be looking to turn his club into title contenders, and money is not an issue.  It could turn into a bidding war between the two Manchester clubs for Nasri.  Hopefully for Arsene Wenger, this auction will drive the price of Nasri sky high. 

Wenger will need as much cash as he can to replace Nasri, Clichy, and possibly Cesc.  Do not forget about the centre-half conundrum.  We need defensive help, and that should still be the main focus this transfer season.  I would not fear Cesc and Nasri exits because Arsene will have talent scouts across Europe and South America looking for the next gem.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsene is pushing hard for Karim Benzema.  Wenger will offer Real Madrid £27m for the 23-year old striker.  Mourinho might unload Benzema in order to look into other options.  This could be an attempt by Wenger to hold on to Nasri or Fabregas, or both.

A record signing of this magnitude may finally silence the media critics.  But more importantly, it will assure fans and players alike that Arsenal are committed to success.  I do not think it will happen, though, because it appears as if Gervinho is almost a Gooner.  Why would Wenger spend massive amounts of cash on two striker when there are other pressing needs?

Speaking of Gervinho, he received a medical in London today in preparation for an official announcement.  How long have we been waiting for this?  It seems like forever since the media reported that his signing was ”imminent.”  Check back when the official announcement is made for a full report on the Ivorian international.

According to ESPN, a deal sending Cesc to Barca is not close.  According to their sources, no agreement will be made for at least another week.  That means non-stop Cesc rumours from morning until midnight.  Here is what “a source close to Fabregas” told ESPNsoccernet:

“It is far too early to know whether any deal will happen. It is something that will drag on until next week.  I have no idea whether Cesc will go on tour with Arsenal to Asia at the weekend. He is injured at the moment.”

According to their report, Wenger is standing by his asking price of £40 million.  However, Barcelona are in not hurry to get a deal done.  The president of Barca has stated that he is not afraid to push negotiations until the last day of the transfer window.  Expect the “Chronicles of Cesc” to continue.

Ian Wright, yes that Ian Wright,  published an article in The Sun titled “Arsenal are now City’s feeder club.”  Now even former star players are turning on us.  Wright suggests that Arsene should have gone after the likes of Stewart Downing and Phil Jones.  Because a half-decent winger and a young, inexperienced centre half  would solve our problems.

Wright then goes full-on crazy when he suggests that Wenger should chase down Michael Essien, Joe Hart, and Vincent Company.  Of course, those players are not for sale or demanding to be leave their clubs.  Wright seems to believe that just Arsene could will Essien to the Emirates without even consulting Chelsea.  What delusions!

 

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