Arsenal’s mercurial winger Gervinho has been the subject of interest from Lyon, Galatasaray and Newcastle during his mixed two years at the club.

Much as his performances have been mixed, the opinion from supporters on his departure has varied hugely. There were times where I think some of us would have driven him to the airport, and times where people have been unwilling to sacrifice a potential asset.

Right now, people’s views are more towards the ‘asset’ side thanks to his performances late in the season.

No way OM leaving

However, all interest was passing, and Marseille have now made it clear Gervinho is a priority target for them in the coming transfer window.

They’re willing to pay around £10m for the Ivorian, and have come out in the press with their admiration of him:

‘This is a profile that interests us, yes. We want flank players, with dribbling, passing and scoring and Gervinho has this profile.’

I remember Gervinho tearing up Ligue 1 with Lille, as part of a fluid front three featuring Eden Hazard and Moussa Sow, and it’s even more worth pointing out that he was seen as the best of the three during their title win in 2011.  So a return to the French league could be beneficial to both parties, player and buying club.

Worth it?

Arsenal could recoup the money they spent on Gervinho, and free up a squad space with this deal, but I don’t think it will happen. For a start, Arsene Wenger likes Gervinho, not as a starter but as a member of the squad, and would probably end up promoting a less proven youngster as a replacement.

Gervinho is never going to be part of a title-winning starting 11, but he has his uses, and if he’s guided through a season carefully, to preserve his confidence, I see no reason why he couldn’t be part of a title-winning squad.

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