Gervinho a Gunner: Where Would the Ivorian Fit in Arsenal's Formation?

Gervinho is finally a Gunner, after completing the move from French champions Lille to Arsenal, and the transfer is one Arsenal fans should take note of, for it proves many things.

First, it shows how slow Wenger is in the transfer market. This is a true problem, seeing how Wenger always gambles and takes all transfer matters to deadline day, and usually the gamble fails terribly.

Second, it shows that Arsene Wenger, as always is interested in adding attackers to the squad, but us yet to address the defensive problems Arsenal have faced for the last few years.

Despite his technical abilities, the fans will look at Gervinho the same way they looked at most of Arsene Wenger's previous signing: another African and/or Frenchman signed from Ligue 1 simply because Wenger is cheap when it comes to buying players.

While Gervinho is quality, there's no doubt that he was in no way what Arsenal fans would've wanted had they been given the choice. And yet again, all fans can do is have some faith and hope Wenger finally gets things right.

With that said, it's time to look at the positions Gervinho might be filling next season.

Note: The analysis below is explained with the assumption that Arsenal will remain with their 4-3-3 formation for the upcoming season.

In case Fabregas leaves:

If Fabregas leaves for Barcelona (which is highly likely), then Nasri will fill the Fabregas role, and that will allow Gervinho to play in his preferred position, upfront and on the wings.

That would give Gervinho space to express himself, and with his pace as weapon, would help him win the fans over. It remains to be seen if Gervinho has the consistency to perform at the highest level, and it also remains to be seen whether or not he will be a regular starter for Arsene Wenger's men.

In case Nasri leaves:

This is where Gervinho would face a bigger challenge.

In case of Fabregas leaving, Nasri would play as a playmaker, but his dribbling and his skill would make him play easily on the wings, meaning Gervinho and Nasri can easily swap positions and cause among the opposition's defense.

But in case Nasri leaves, then Fabregas would stay permanently in the playmaker role, due to the face that he's quite slow, and lacks the technical abilities Nasri possesses.

This means that Gervinho would stay on the wings, which makes it easier for the defenders to mark him, while that might not be enough to tame Gervinho, it could be enough to prevent him from reaching his full potential.

In case Nasri and Fabregas leave:

While it depends on who will replace them both, it's safe to say that Gervinho would probably a first team regular in case both players leave.

While Gervinho has the quality to succeed at the EPL, the real concern is how fast will he acclimatize to the aggression of the Premier League.

With both Fabregas and Nasri out, then Gervinho would probably play on the wings, along with Walcott with van Persie as the main striker.

In case no one leaves:

While this is highly unlikely, in case such a scenario occurs, then it's safe to say that Gervinho's place in the team is in no way guaranteed. With Arshavin and Walcott fighting for their positions, and Rosicky and Vela trying to impress as well, this could be good news for Wenger, having more is never a bad thing.

Of course, the real problem is in defense, whether Wenger addresses it or not will most likely decide Arsenal's season. And the fans will hope the Frenchman will finally break his old habits, for the sake of Arsenal, and for the sake of the fans.