Ivory Coast international set for fresh start in Rome.
Former Arsenal ace Gervinho had “dreamed about Serie A for years” says his agent after all-but completing his move to Italian giants Roma.
The 26-year-old is on the verge of finalising his move to Italy this week after undergoing a medical, although the club have yet to officially announce the move.
It is understood that the Ivorian joins Roma in a deal worth €8m, but that will rise as there are various performance-related bonuses attached to the agreement.
However, after leaving Lille back in 2011 in a deal worth €11m to join Arsenal, his agent has revealed that the player has been dreaming about a move to Serie A for some time.
“Gervinho had been dreaming of Serie A for at least three years,” insisted agent Pascal Boisseau on Calciomercato.com as reported by Football Italia.
“In the summer of 2010, then-Roma director general Daniele Pradè wanted him in the capital, while the club also made a proposal last year.”
While his dream move had been delayed for two years, former coach Rudi Garcia has finally made it come true. The Frenchman reportedly promised the player a reunion this summer back in June when he was appointed the new boss at the Stadio Olimpico.
It is understood that the switch to Roma has yet to be ratified due to a problem with the club not having enough non-EU spots left in their squad.
As a result, reports in Italy suggest that the club’s signing of 32-year-old Brazilian striker Babu from Paganese is an attempt to work the system. They will now go on to sell him abroad having bought within Italy, thus freeing up a space for an incoming non-EU player.
Having suffered from a disappointing spell at Arsenal, Gervinho will now hope to make the most of his new opportunity in Italy.
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