Johan Djourou believes that Gervinho would represent a signing to excite Arsenal's supporters and enhance the club's prospects next season.

Wenger is closing in on a £10m deal for the Lille forward and Djourou hopes that he can link up with his fellow Ivorian in north London.

"I have followed a bit of the French league this season and I have to say Gervinho is a great player," said Djourou at an event for his Kemi Malaika Foundation in Senegal.

"I have known him for a long time and he is just a great player … quick, with so much talent and good skills. He is a great, great talent and we need that because he can play as a striker, as a No10 or on the wing. He has all the ingredients to play for Arsenal, that is a definite."