Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the signing of Gervinho from Lille, it has been reported.
The Ivorian forward has been locked in talks with the Gunners over the past week after the two clubs agreed a deal earlier in the month.
Now he has finalised his move from the French champions, according to Wenger, who revealed the news as Arsenal arrived in Malaysia ahead of their Asian pre-season tour.
Gervinho did not travel with Arsenal as part of their initial group and it remains to be seen whether he will link up with the squad.
Gervinho is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer following on from the capture of youngster Carl Jenkinson.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have not received any bid from Arsenal for winger Stewart Downing and remain determined to keep the player, according to the Press Association.
Arsenal are reported to have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Downing.
Villa have already rejected bids of £12 million and £15 million from Liverpool for Downing, who has two years remaining of his current contract.
If Villa find they are eventually left with no option but to sell Downing, then they will hold out for their original valuation of £19 million, the report adds.