• Premier League

Garde: No Gourcuff swap with Arsenal's Gervinho

ESPN staff
July 19, 2013
Gervinho could be heading out of The Emirates © PA Photos
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Lyon coach Remi Garde says he has heard nothing of a reported swap involving Yoann Gourcuff and Arsenal outcast Gervinho - with the Ligue 1 club putting their faith in youthful talent.

French media have reported over several weeks Lyon's interest in Gervinho, 26, who has an excellent reputation in France following his significant contribution to Lille's double-winning season of 2010-11.

Though Gourcuff, 27, remains part of Garde's plans at the Stade de Gerland, his status as the club's highest earner means he could be moved on as Lyon seek to balance their books, and president Jean-Michel Aulas recently admitted the possibility existed that the French international midfielder could leave.

His destination, however, seems unlikely to be north London in exchange for the Gunners' unwanted Ivorian.

"That information has not come into my channels. I read that in the press," Garde told Lyon-based newspaper Le Progres. "Gervinho is a forward. We've got forwards, youngsters of real quality."

Gervinho was signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2011, but has failed to replicate his form at Lille during his two seasons at The Emirates, scoring just 11 goals during his time in north London.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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