Arsenal FC, Gervinho's Decision and Its Effect on the EPL Summer Transfers

Every transfer season, there are players who are at the top of the priority list for several clubs. Once the signature is captured, it sets the ball rolling as the teams who lost out have to move on to their second options.

Lille’s Gervinho is one of those players whose signing will set off a chain reaction of rumors, interest and signings by the teams who fell short. Currently there are at least four teams who are believed to be vying for his signature from the Premier League, along with interest from Germany and Spain.

Arsenal are thought to be in the driver’s seat for Gervinho’s services. Arsenal’s Champions League opportunity along with Arsene Wenger’s track record with former Ligue 1 and African players seem to give them the upper hand. Having international teammate Eboue at the Emirates is another plus for the Gunners.

If Arsenal capture Gervinho he could be used in a variety of ways: as a partner to van Persie, out wide or a fox-in-the-box type with van Persie dropping deeper similar to the Bergkamp/Henry combination Wenger previously employed.

If he chooses to go elsewhere, Wenger will likely turn his attention to Lorient’s Kevin Gameiro or, if rumors are to be believed, reach into his pockets and splash out the cash on Falcao or try and lure Benzema away from Real Madrid.

Liverpool are thought to also be in for Gervinho, even though he is probably not towards the top of their list. With Marveaux on his way in to fill the void out wide, Gervinho would be a surplus of riches for Liverpool. He could form a formidable front three with Carroll and Suarez, move out wide or provide cover.

It appears Liverpool is already moving on without Gervinho, as rumors for other players similar in style abound.

Tottenham have been looking to fill their need for another reliable scorer. With his pace and ability with the ball, Gervinho would be a wonderful fit. The lack of Champions League competition will probably be enough to keep him away, forcing Tottenham to look at Gameiro and others.

Newcastle have been tabbed as having put forth a bid already, but lack of European competition will likely see their bid come up short. Like for Tottenham, Gervinho would bolster their attack and the Magpies would love to bring him back together with Lille teammate Cabaye.

If they cannot lure Gervinho, Newcastle have been linked with a move for Gameiro, but he has professed his desire to play in European competition, forcing them to look elsewhere.

The ripple effect of Gervinho’s landing spot will also affect Lille, who must replace his 15 goals and 10 assists. If the past few days have been any indication, the French club will not waste any time.

After losing Cabaye to Newcastle, they have apparently wrapped up signing Auxerre’s midfield general Benoit Pedretti. Expect Lille to look in France for Gervinho’s replacement, potentially with Rivierre (ASSE) or by looking to Auxerre again with the abundance of talent in their youth system.

Once Gervinho lets everyone know where he will be heading, the dominoes will fall and the transfer cycle will continue with one team having filled a need and several others left looking for what they need.