One of Arsenal's most frustrating players in recent times - Gervinho - could be on his way out of the Emirates, with Turkish giants Galatasaray reportedly lining up a bid. The Gunners could bring in an instant replacement, though, albeit not exactly like for like, with the club in advanced talks with Fiorentina over a summer move for Stevan Jovetic.
Gervinho was brought to Arsenal from Lille amid much fanfare, having just enjoyed a tremendous season in the French league. The move, however, has just not materialized as Arsene Wenger would have imagined with the Ivory Coast international flattering to deceive to say the very least.
At one moment a play of absolute brilliance can be witnessed from Gervinho, only for the forward to fluff his lines on more than a few occasions the next.
Gervinho, at the end of the day, has just not been able to produce the goods consistently enough, and has become somewhat of a comic figure at the Emirates.
The 25-year-old thrives on confidence; so the more confident he is the better he plays. The moment anybody starts to criticize his performances, he goes into his shell and just does not come out.
That is just unacceptable for a modern-day player, even if Gervinho works his socks off every time he takes the field.
The Ivory Coast could be given a way out of Arsenal by Galatasaray, with Turkish media outlet Sabar claiming the club have already held talks with the player's representatives.
Wenger is still a big fan of the Ivorian, but with his patience wearing thin when it comes to underperforming players, he just might be ready to let go of Gervinho if the right offer came in.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans were given further hope over a summer move for Jovetic, with reports in Italy claiming Arsenal are in advanced negotiations.
The Gunners have reportedly already made an official bid of £19.5 million ($30 million), but Fiorentina are holding out for £25 million ($38 million).
Wenger and the board are usually frugal when it comes to spending too much money, but with excessive cash lying in the coffers and with the fans putting them under pressure to spend, Arsenal might indeed finally relent and match the asking price and with it sealing a move for one of the brightest young talents around in Europe.
Jovetic himself expressed his admiration for Arsenal.
"I've heard about Arsenal's interest," Jovetic is quoted as saying by The Sun. "It's a big pleasure for me to be on the radar of such a big club. I am happy about that.
"I've always had an affinity with Arsenal. It's a major club with a big tradition, one of the biggest in Europe.
"It's not easy to replace Van Persie, who scored a lot of goals.
"Arsenal have plenty of players who don't score like Van Persie, but are also very good. They are still very strong. I often watch Premier League games on TV. It's one of the best leagues in the world and looks tempting for me."
Most of the Gooners will be hoping that the Jovetic deal is sealed early, similar to the one made with Koln for Lukas Podolski last summer.
