Roma completes signing of Arsenal forward Gervinho

Striker Gervinho has joined Italian side Roma from Arsenal for £8m.

The 26-year-old Ivory Coast struggled to make an impact for the Gunners last season and was restricted to cameo appearances off the bench for the majority of the campaign.

Gervinho moved to The Emirates from Lille in 2011 but he was only able to find the back of the net on four occasions in his first campaign.

Capped 45 times by the Ivory Coast, the striker started his career at the ASEC Abidjan academy before moving on to enjoy spells at Beveren and Le Mans before making a name for himself at Lille.

A Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double followed in 2011 and he was identified by Wenger as the player to add goals and pace to his frontline.

Gervinho started last season in fantastic form, scoring five goals in the opening seven games before travelling to represent his country at the African Cup of Nations, but he struggled to replicate this form upon his return.

Announcing his departure on their website, Arsenal said: “Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gervinho for his contribution to the club and wish him well for his future career.”