Man City’s Cook refuses to bite Nasri bait

Nasri is linked with a move to Manchester City. (FILE)

Published Tuesday, August 16, 2011

By Staff

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook was coy over reports that Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri’s departure from Emirates Stadium was imminent in a swap deal with unsettled Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.

“We always try not to disclose anything - obviously he’s still an Arsenal player and we need to respect that. So unfortunately I will refrain from giving an update on that,” he told Sky Sports News.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked with a £25 million move to City and he could be set to follow Cesc Fabregas out of the Emirates after the Spaniard joined Barcelona on Monday lunchtime.

France international Nasri has yet to sign a new deal with the Gunners and so could leave on a free transfer next summer.

The future of Carlos Tevez has been the subject of speculation, with the player being mentioned as a target of Inter Milan for some time.

However, Cook claimed there had been no contact with the Italian club and believes Tevez will still be with City next month playing alongside summer signing Sergio Aguero.

Cook said: “He is still a Manchester City player and to see him playing alongside Aguero is going to be pretty exciting for all the City fans.”

On whether Tevez will be at City in September, Cook added: “I’ve not spoken to anybody about anything that will dispel that notion.”

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