Don't wait 30 years - sign up for our daily football email newsletter today! Sign up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Gunners rejected a £6m bid from the Serie A outfit, who are willing to hike their offer for the Ivory Coast star.

New Roma coach Rudi Garcia is keen to hook up once more with Gervinho, 26, after their time together at French side Lille.

A source revealed: “Garcia has made Gervinho his top choice.

“He knows only too well of his capabilities and that is why Roma will pay a higher price.”

Gervinho has failed to impress at the Emirates since his £11m switch from Lille two years ago.

But Gunners team-mate Santi Cazorla has denied he wants to return home and join Atletico Madrid in a £15m deal.

Rumours have been rife since Atletico coach Diego Simeone said “anything is possible” when linked with the former Malaga player.

Cazorla, 28, established himself as an Arsenal favourite last season.

The Spanish midfield ace is enjoying the final days of his extended summer holiday before joining up with the Gunners for pre-season training tomorrow. And he has pledged his commitment to Arsene Wenger’s side.

He told reporters: “There has been a lot of speculation about a move to Atletico Madrid but I’m very happy at Arsenal.

“I have a contract there and I start training on Monday.

“Perhaps I will return to Spain one day but right now it’s very unlikely.”

Atletico’s most significant signings this summer have been Leo Baptistao – who joined for around £6m from Rayo Vallecano – and David Villa, who arrived from Barcelona for an initial £1.8m.

Although Cazorla said he was not about to link up with his Spain team-mate Villa at the Vicente Calderon, he said he was pleased for him.

“I am very happy for Villa because he had a difficult year with Barcelona due to injury but now he has got another chance to shine again,” he said.

Cazorla is expected to feature for Arsenal in Saturday’s Emirates Cup opener against Napoli.