Gervinho set for Arsenal

Arsenal target Gervinho has snubbed interest from Tottenham and says his transfer to the Emirates is nearly complete.

Gervinho was reportedly being courted by the Gunners’ Premier League rivals after deciding to move on from French club Lille, who he joined in 2007.

But the Ivory Coast international has been swayed by the talented squad at the Emirates, and said he is ready to compete for a first-team place against the likes of Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin.

“I chose Arsenal because it’s a young group within which I will be able to integrate easily,” Gervinho told France Football.

“I could develop more over there. There are only a few details left to sort out.”

Asked if he was worried about the competition for places at Arsenal, the 24-year-old said: “Not at all, I’m going to Arsenal to play. The best risk to take is to look to score goals and to play a lot.”

“In football you have to take risks if you want to win. I’m going to Arsenal to win.”

“I’m going there to play, not to be on the bench. Arsenal love the game, and I love teams that love the game.”

“The Premier League is a notch above. It’s maybe the best league in the world. I want to live that sensation.”

Gervinho scored 15 goals from 35 appearances as Lille clinched a league and cup double last season.

He has been capped 27 times for his country and featured for Ivory Coast at the 2010 World Cup under then-coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.