Le Mans star flattered by Wenger

Ivorian starlet happy to stay put

By Valer St Clair   Last updated: 13th May 2008

gervinho le mans

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Le Mans forward Gervinho has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has been tracked by Arsene Wenger since his days in Ivory Coast and then at Belgian club Beveren - who had a co-operation agreement with Arsenal from 2001 to 2006.

Gervinho only moved to France last year but he has already become one of Le Mans' top performers and he is now attracting interest from some of Ligue 1's big hitters in the shape of Monaco, Marseille and Paris Saint Germain.

Arsenal were believed to have made the player an offer before he joined Le Mans and are now considering a renewed bid for the youngster - who is tipped for big things by compatriot Didier Drogba.

"If he is lucky with injuries, in the next two years he could be at the same level as Ronaldo, Messi, Nani - those top young players, he is so good," said Drogba.

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Arsenal are no strangers to hiring Ivorian and Gervinho - who made his international debut at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year - is attracted by the possibility of a move to North London, where compatriots Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue already play, but he is not ruling out the possibility of remaining with Le Mans.

"To play for Arsenal would be fantastic," he said.

"Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the world, however I am fine in Le Mans and I am learning my football here.

"I am getting help from everyone and I am happy here and at the moment I still need to learn a lot - but things can change very quickly."