Arsenal & Liverpool target Gervinho will not be moving to a French rival but could join an English club - Lille director of football

 

Gervinho, the in-demand Ivorian, will not be sold to a rival French side, according to Lille director of football Frederic Paquet.

The striker's future has been the subject of much talk of late after another excellent season as he thrived as a part of Lille's front three - alongside the exciting young Belgian Eden Hazard and powerhouse centre-forward Moussa Sow - with the club going on to capture the title.

Now the player seems destined to leave - both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked, and Paris St Germain, after a season of much improvement, have also been mentioned as a possible destination - and Lille insist that while they are not opposed to a transfer he will not be allowed to move to domestic rivals.

"PSG recently enquired about Gervinho, but they were told we do not wish to sell him to a French club," Paquet told La Voix Du Nord.

"Gervinho's future is uncertain. He could join an English side, or he could stay with us.

"He has to decide exactly what he wants. We are not opposed to the idea of a transfer, but the agreement has to suit us.

"We have yet to receive an offer or proposal."