Arsenal defender Johan Djourou wants Gervinho to join him at the Emirates

Ligue 1 : Gervinho (Lille OSC)

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Arsenal defender Johan Djourou wants the club to sign Lille star Gervinho, describing him as a ‘great, great talent’ – though Tottenham have already had a bid rejected for the Ivory Coast international.

Gervinho (full name Gervais Yao Kouassi) impressed hugely for Lille this season as they won the French title and French Cup, and has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, though it appears north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are set to battle it out for his signature.

The Gunners’ Swiss centre-back Djourou is keen for Arsenal to once again challenge for the top honours and believes Gervinho would be an ideal signing.

“I have followed a bit of the French league this season and I have to say Gervinho is a great player,” said Djourou at an event for his Kemi Malaika Foundation in Senegal.

“I have known him for a long time and he is just a great player … quick, with so much talent and good skills.

“He is a great, great talent and we need that because he can play as a striker, as a No.10 or on the wing. He has all the ingredients to play for Arsenal, that is a definite.”

Tottenham have already had a £10.6million bid rejected for the 24-year-old Ivorian, and it is unclear whether Arsenal are willing to match Tottenham’s offer.