Gervinho signs for Arsenal

Soccer:Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the signing of Gervinho from Lille. The Ivorian forward has been in talks with the Gunners over the past week after the two clubs agreed a deal earlier in the month.

Now he has finalised his move from the French champions, according to Wenger, who revealed the news as Arsenal arrived in Malaysia ahead of their Asian pre-season tour.

Gervinho did not travel with Arsenal as part of their initial group and it remains to be seen whether he will link up with the squad.

Gervinho is Arsenal's second signing of the summer following on from the capture of youngster Carl Jenkinson.

More pressing, perhaps, is the future of captain Cesc Fabregas and fellow midfielder Samir Nasri, and Wenger was bullish today when insisting he expects both to be at the club next season.

Fabregas has again been linked with a return to Barcelona but no deal has been struck, with the clubs unable to agree a valuation for the 24-year-old.

Nasri has only 12 months left on his Arsenal contract and has yet to indicate his willingness to sign a new one. Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with the France midfielder who enjoyed his best season to date at the Emirates Stadium last term.

However, Wenger sounded positive on Monday that both would be lining up for the Gunners in August.

"Cesc loves the club and hopefully we will manage," said the Frenchman. "We know that this story for Barcelona has gone on for years now, we have to close that and focus on the season, hopefully with Cesc Fabregas."

Asked about Nasri, Wenger added: "Will he be at the club next season? I say yes. The second part (of the question) - will he sign a new contract? I hope yes, but I am not the only one to decide."

Neither Nicklas Bendtner or Manuel Almunia has travelled to Asia as they open discussions with other clubs.

Striker Bendtner has been strongly linked with Borussia Dortmund and Fenerbahce in recent weeks, while goalkeeper Almunia looks set to return to Spain.

"Both of them are possible departures," said the manager. "They are talking to other clubs at the moment. I cannot tell you which ones."

Wenger, meanwhile, revealed that he does no intend to sign a replacement for Gael Clichy - who he sold to Manchester City. The Gunners boss says he is happy that he has Kieran Gibbs and Armand Traore, along with Thomas Vermaelen, who could also play there if required.

"The plan for left-back is that we have Kieran Gibbs, Armand Traore and Thomas Vermaelen can play there too. So we have what we need," said Wenger - who admitted that new signing Jenkinson will be involved with the first team.

"Jenkinson is an interesting buy. We bought him from Charlton and hopefully he will push Sagna."