Arsene close in on Ivorian ace

Arsenal appears to be closing in on Lille forward Gervinho.

Gervinho has been linked with Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal but Footy Latest reports that it is Arsene Wenger who is set to make the first formal approach for the Ivorian international.

The 24-year old has sparked a feeding frenzy after a terrific season in Ligue 1 scoring 14 goals and bagging 14 assists in just 34 appearances.

Gervinho would cost any suitors around £11million but conflicting reports in France suggest a move to Liverpool is most likely and has already turned down a chance to join Newcastle.