Man City's attack to revolve around Nasri

Samir Nasri's imminent arrival at Etihad Stadium gives Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini more options. (FILE)

Published Friday, August 19, 2011

By Staff

Arsenal rebel Samir Nasri could hold the key to Roberto Mancini’s dream of emulating their City rivals Manchester United in the hunt for trophies this season.

Nasri, 24, will be the final piece in Mancini’s jigsaw as he assembles a squad to challenge for the title and be competitive in the Champions League.

That was what Mancini told chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak he needed in order to build on their third place and FA Cup triumph.

The transfer of the Frenchman will take Mancini’s summer spending to £74m.

He has splashed out £7m on Gael Clichy, £6m on Stefan Savic and a club record £39m on Sergio Aguero.

Nasri’s transfer will give Mancini an awesome attack which will allow him to change his whole front four from one game to the next.

More significantly, the signing of Nasri will enable the Manchester City chief to copy Alex Ferguson’s selection policy, according to a report in ‘The Sun’.

That is, to play one side midweek and make wholesale changes to keep another one fresh for the weekend.

It is the only way Mancini believes City can win the Premier League and be competitive at the very highest level in the Champions League and the domestic cups.

Mancini watched in awe last season as United boss Fergie was able to play a team at home to Schalke 04 in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal which won 4-1.

Then, on the Sunday in a title decider against Chelsea, he made eight changes and still triumphed 2-1.

Now Mancini’s riches off the pitch have transferred into a wealth of talent on it with the potential to make nine changes match to match.

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