Golf: Arsenal have completed the signing of striker Gervinho from Lille for an undisclosed fee. The Gunners announced last week a deal had been agreed for the Ivory Coast international and the paperwork has now been approved, with Gervinho penning a long-term contract.
The 24-year-old told the club's official website: "It's a great feeling to be an Arsenal player. 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."
Gervinho cited Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as a key factor in his decision to move to London, adding: "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."
The striker played a key role in Lille's Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions.
That took his tally to 36 goals in 93 appearances during two seasons with the club, while he has been capped 27 times by the Ivory Coast, scoring six times.
Like Premier League stars Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue, Gervinho began his career with ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan.
Wenger was attracted by his versatility, and told the club's official website: "Gervinho is a player that can play in a number of positions up front. He can play on the right, on the left and through the middle.
"He has qualities that I find very important, like his movement off the ball. He has the qualities we like technically.
"He is good one against one, he is strong and was the best provider in the French league with assists and he scored 15 goals. I think he is a very good addition to the squad."
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