Gervinho wants to emulate Robert Pires at Arsenal

Arsenal forward Gervinho is determined to prove himself at the Emirates and aims to follow in the footsteps of Robert Pires.

Pires took time to adapt to the Premier League after joining Arsenal from Marseille in 2000 before going on to establish himself as an all-time great for the North London club.

Gervinho had an encouraging 2011-12 campaign after switching to the Gunners from Lille last summer, and now wants to enhance his reputation in England.

"You should always look at these examples from the past," he is quoted as saying on Arsenal's official website. "Robert is a fantastic player, very experienced, and I saw this for myself [when Pires was] training here.

"I really hope to emulate Robert Pires in my second season, hopefully do even better, but I hope to carve out my own niche of course.

"I hope to push on personally, also to progress with the team and to showcase my qualities."

Gervinho made 37 appearances for Arsenal last season and is keen to make a better impression on manager Arsene Wenger this term.

"I've learnt lots of things, coming to a new club, being new to the Premier League," said the 25-year-old. "I've learnt to adapt on the pitch and, when I think back, also in front of goal.

"I really feel that I've come on a lot, I feel really good in training and I'm ready for my second season."

Gervinho was part of the Arsenal team that were held to a goalless draw with Sunderland at the Emirates last weekend.