Yoann Gourcuff
Lyon manager denies suggestions of a Gervinho-for Gourcuff swap with Arsenal. (Reuters)

Lyon manager Remi Garde has denied suggestions the club are prepared to take Arsenal forward Gervinho on a season long loan with Yoann Gourcuff moving to the Emirates in the other direction.

A number of reports in the French media earlier this week suggested that the Ligue 1 club were looking to challenge Roma and Marseille for the Ivorian international's signature with the proposed swap deal, banking on Arsene Wenger's long-term admiration of attacking midfielder Gourcuff to secure the deal.

But former Arsenal player Garde has played down the prospect of Gervinho moving to the Stade de Gerland, with Gourcuff himself indicating that he is open to remaining at the club despite being made available by president Jean-Michel Aulas.

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

Gourcuff, once one of France's brightest young talents, has struggled to live up to the €22m fee Lyon paid Bordeaux for his services in 2010. Injuries and a lack of consistency over the last three seasons have marred his spell at the Ligue 1 outfit, but reports have suggested Wenger is still a fan of the man he tried to sign in 2011 until a knee operation for the 27-year-old curtailed such plans.

Despite being told he is surplus to requirements, Gourcuff's latest comments suggest the Frenchman is open to remaining at the club to help Lyon's latest batch of young hopefuls Garde referred to mature as footballers.

"When I was the same age as these players, it wasn't exactly the same situation," Gourcuff told Lyon's official website. "There were more experienced players around me. But it is good. These youngsters are self-disciplined, focused.

"They need to continue relying on the whole squad. I don't have a particular role with regard to them. I simply wish to transmit them my desire of enjoying yourself and that they feel they can count on me on the pitch. I'm here, available, ready to help them."

With a swap deal unlikely, Gervinho is now likely to pursue other avenues. After being left out of Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, a move away from the Emirates is almost certain, with his former Lille coach Rudi Garcia reportedly keen on bringing the 26-year-old to Roma.