The skilful winger was also watched by Tottenham during the French Cup final, but L’Equipe say it’s the Gunners and City who are leading the race for the 23-year-old. 

Gervinho has just one-year left on his current contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing in 12 months time, Lille are prepared to offload the forward this summer for a knockdown price. 

Sources also say the Ivory Coast international will only sign for a team playing Champions League football, which would rule Spurs out of the running. 

Gervinho has impressed during his time at Lille, scoring 25 goals in 54 appearances, but he came to prominence during the 2010 World Cup after his man of the match performance against Portugal. 

Arsene Wenger has recently said he’ll be looking to add experience to his squad this summer, but a chance to land a long term target may be too much to resist.