Manchester City are reportedly closing in on the signing of Lille forward Gervinho, who has been linked with a move to ArsenalThe Gunners were believed to be favourites to sign the £8million-rated striker, who has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool.
But according to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is facing his second transfer snub in a week after losing out to Mamchester United in the race to sign Blackburn defender Phil Jones.
Arsenal were confident of signing 24-year-old Gervinho but according to the Mirror, Man City are now in pole position to sign the Ivory Coast international after offering the player a higher salary than the Gunners.
Gervinho appears to have become open to a move to Eastlands as a result of the club qualifying for the Champions League.
The former Le Mans forward last month stated that he wants to be playing in the Champions League next season, saying: "At the end of the season, my advisers and I will speak to the club and see what to do.
"But if I am leaving a club which will play in the Champions League I will only go to one who is in the Champions League.
"It is the best competition and I want to be a part of that set-up every year."
Should Gervinho join Roberto Mancini's side and accept what has been called a "huge" offer, it would come as a massive blow to Wenger, who is looking to strengthen his side over the summer as well as trying to keep contract rebel Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas at the club.
Nasri is a target for Manchester United while Barcelona remain keen on Spain international Fabregas.
Arsenal could also lose defender Gael Clichy this summer, with the left-back a target for Liverpool.
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