The Serie A club are in advanced negotiations with the Gunners over a permanent move for the Ivory Coast international and could conclude talks in a meeting on Wednesday

By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent Roma are closing in on the £6.9 million signing of Gervinho following a breakthrough in talks with Arsenal understands.A delegation from the Serie A club met with senior Gunners officials in London on Tuesday and will hold a further meeting on Wednesday to resolve the Ivory Coast international's proposed move to the Italian capital.Negotiations are understood to be progressing smoothly and both clubs are confident of reaching an agreement imminently.As reported by Goal, Roma had already offered £6.9m for Gervinho and discussions with Arsenal are now centred on the structure of the deal.The Italian club are willing to match the player's £50,000-a-week Gunners salary.The north Londoners are willing to let Gervinho go this summer as they clear the decks for a number of marquee signings, with Luis Suarez and Marouane Fellaini on top of their hit list, while the club have also expressed serious interest in Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney.Olympique de Marseille have also declared their interest in taking the wide forward on a season-long loan but Arsenal would prefer a sale.Gervinho did not fly out with Arsene Wenger's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, which the club claim was due to sickness, although this conveniently allowed the player to stay behind to hold talks with his principal suitors.New Roma boss Rudi Garcia coached Gervinho for two seasons at Lille before the attacker joined Arsenal in 2011, and he remains an admirer of the 26-year-old.Marseille offer the prospect of a return to the French league for the attacker, should Roma not close the deal with Arsenal.