Manchester United Target Summer Swoop for AS Roma Forward Gervinho

Manchester United are reportedly set to make a shock move in signing AS Roma forward Gervinho in the summer transfer window, according to the Express.

The 26-year-old was signed by Arsenal in 2011 by Arsene Wenger, but the Ivory Coast international failed to shine for the Gunners during his time at the Emirates. He left the north London club and signed for the Italian outfit last summer.

The report claims Gervinho has a £16m buyout clause in his contract and United's incoming manager Louis van Gaal is eyeing to make an approach for the former Arsenal forward.

Gervinho has been in impressive form for the Serie A runner up as he has scored nine goals and registered 10 assists from 33 league appearances during the 2013/14 campaign.

His run for Roma in his debut season at Stadio Olimpico has seen him demand for a new deal.

The Express claims the former Arsenal man is looking for a pay rise and a contract extension for his improved form under Rudi Garcia. However, Roma are unwilling to meet the demands put forward by the player.

The Italian club's manager has expressed his desire of retaining his best players beyond the summer transfer window.

"I hope we will be able to keep our best players. The extension with Miralem Pjanic is a strong message: we want to keep our group and strengthen it," the Express quoted Garcia as saying.

"Our goal this summer is not to increase the wage budget, but logically we should not have to sell," the Roma manager explained.

Meanwhile, the same report claims Gervinho's improved form has seen him attract interest from other clubs, along with the Red Devils. Should the Ivory Coast forward make a switch to Old Trafford, he will rejoin with his former Arsenal teammate Robin van Persie at United.

Gervinho spent more time on the bench at Arsenal and the forward earlier revealed it was his worst time in career.

"I left England because I was not playing. Not enough. The most difficult moment was being on the bench. That was the worst part for me and my confidence," Gervinho said.

"Life in Italy is the same it's always been for me: games, training and time with my family. What did I learn at Arsenal? Honestly, not much because you cannot learn much from being on the bench," he added.