Gervinho 'flattered' by Marseille interest

The Ivory Coast international has found it difficult to earn regular playing time at the Emirates Stadium, with the Ligue 1 side an alluring suitor

Arsenal attacker Gervinho says that Marseille's interest is "flattering" as he gives serious consideration to his future in north London this summer following a lack of game time last season.

The former Lille star only played the full 90 minutes three times in 2012-13, scoring just five goals in an unspectacular second season with the club, and concedes that his desire for regular action may not be achievable under manager Arsene Wenger.

OM assistant coach Franck Passi confirmed earlier in June that the Gunners forward is the sort of player in whom the French side are interested and the 26-year-old responded positively.

"If I really want to leave Arsenal, I'm sure there would be a lot of interest," Gervinho told Le Patriote.

"Marseille is one of the leading French clubs and I have a good relationship with some people there.

"I cannot say yes or no but it is always flattering for a player to know that there are a lot of clubs showing interest in him.

"It is true that I had little playing time at Arsenal after the Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] but it was the choice of the coach, Arsene Wenger.

"Now we are on holidays, I'll take some rest for a while and then come back to seriously think of my future and what to do next.

"We still have three weeks to the new season; I think there is enough time to think of my future."