It looks increasingly likely that Wenger will make Gervinho his first major signing of the summer, and much has already been written about this Ivorian striker/winger.
Not wanting to cover the same ground necessarily, but wanting to add to the debate, I would like to add some musings and a question or two that I hope you Gooners out there will have a few answers to them.
Whilst I have made my own preference for a returning 4-4-2 system known in previous articles, it would appear that the signing of Gervinho makes this less likely.
He would appear to be a starter for the Ivory Coast, playing on the left of a three man attack with Drogba and Kalou, scoring twice in their most recent African Nations qualifier against Benin.
For Lille, he and Hazard have played either side of Sow in a genuine 4-3-3, which concerns me slightly. My concern stems from the fact that Lille have played with both Gervinho and Hazard as out and out wingers, with three more defensively minded midfielders behind them.
With Arsenal playing Cesc in a more advanced role in the three and expecting the two wide players to defend more, I have no knowledge of Gervinho’s capacity to get back and support the full back.
The question is therefore would be – will he play like Nasri, who tracks back, or will he play like Arshavin, who genuinely has attack on his mind?
If he can play the wide left role in big games, in what effectively becomes a five man midfield, it will be a real bonus for Arsenal – think of the work-rate of Walcott and Nasri in the Chelsea match as a perfect example. If he can do this then I believe he will be an amazing signing as his dribbling ability at speed, his assist ratio, and an obvious eye for goal, easily match that of the frustrating Russian.
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I believe as gunners fans, we should all go an strike, and threaten to boycott the arsenal home games. Arsenal fans have no say in the running of the club which is wrong. We have not been listened to for the past 6 or 7 years. And every year the fans turn out to be right. No trophy in 6 years and our director has the audacity to say our season has not been a total failure. I’m sick and tired of this. All I want is for our voices to be heard as concerned fans. We have been loyal to the club, why can’t they return the favour by winning a bloody trophy. Why gervinho. Why do we always go for a cheaper option. What of players like Kaka, Eto’o, Tevez. Why r we never linked with big name players. But I still hold the badge and shout GUNNERS 4 LIFE, everywhere I go. In USMANOV, Out KRANKY THE YANKEE KROENKE.
Just to say I meant July 1st and not June 1st. I’ve had a thought, the only reason Ashley Young is going to Manchester is because Nasri is staying. If it was a choice of the player, A.Young would come to us. His brother is in the Youth Academy and A.Young and all his brothers are lifelong Arsenal fans. It would have been his dream to play for us. Until after July 1st, I’m not going to believe anyone has bought anyone. It really wouldn’t surprise me if we unveil Ashley Young ourselves.
He’s been sold to Man utd, he has just been interviewed
I think Gervinho’s an amazing player..he can operate anywhere in d front 3roles in a 4-3-3 system.As 4eboue,I think we shld keep him cos’ he’s one of our most loyal player.&versatile too..it was wenger dt killd his game when sagna came along..I think I like him..
Wenger should start buying…..can’t he change for once?
By the way, I hope Eboue stays. He is skilful and fast and can cover the right back position as well as midfield. Plus he does the most theatrical dives.