Transfer wrap: Arsenal seal Gervinho move

Arsenal have finalised the transfer of Ivory Coast forward Gervinho from Lille for a reported fee of 10.6 million pounds.

Gervinho earned a switch to the English Premier League after helping Lille to the Ligue 1 title and Coupe de France last season, netting 18 goals in all competitions.

The 24-year-old, who has earned 27 Ivory Coast caps since making his international debut in 2007, is looking forward to working with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“It’s a great feeling to be an Arsenal player,” Gervinho told the club’s website after his official unveiling on Sunday.

“I’m very happy. I’ve always dreamed to play for this club. I’ve achieved this dream now and I am so happy. It’s one of the most beautiful days of my life.”

“I’m very happy to have the chance to work with Arsene Wenger. I came here because I believe that he can improve my game and help me reach another level, but the most important thing for me is that I bring a lot to the team for whom I’m playing.”

In other transfer news, Chelsea have closed in on Genk goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The 19-year-old Belgian is set to undergo a medical ahead of finalising a move to Stamford Bridge.

And Eidur Gudjohnsen is reportedly near to agreeing to a two-year deal with Greek club AEK Athens after being released by Stoke City.

Former Chelsea and Barcelona man Gudjohnsen joined Stoke at the beginning of last season, but made just four league appearances for the Britannia Stadium outfit.

The 32-year-old had been linked with a move to relegated West Ham United.

More to follow