Le Mans' Ivory Coast International Gervinho has announced that Arsenal are keen on his services.

The skilful 21-year-old, whose given name is Gervais Yao Kouassi, counts Gunners boss Arsene Wenger as one of his admirers, but insists that both he and Le Mans are fully committed to each other - at least for the time being.

"I know Wenger likes signing young players," he said. "I prefer to stay in Le Mans and learn my trade at the club that gave me a chance to be linked with a big club.

"When I arrived at Le Mans nobody knew me, I had to work hard to get into the first-team. Today I am a bit known in Europe.

"Arsenal have spoken to my agents and they are looking at it. Arsenal are a big team, they have made it clear they want me.

"However, (Le Mans director Henri Legarda) is saying no to them. My club is refusing any discussion with Arsenal because they do not want me to go.

"My contract runs out in 2010 and they are keen to extend my deal."