Mancini anxious to wrap up Nasri deal

Samir Nasri made his first appearance for Arsenal in their 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Saturday. (FILE)

Published Sunday, August 21, 2011

By Agencies

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is anxious to seal Samir Nasri’s exit from Arsenal within the next 48 hours.

Mancini admits it would be a “big problem” if the Frenchman played for the Gunners in their Champions League clash with Udinese on Wednesday.

Were Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to select Nasri for their Champions League qualifier in Udine, he would then be unavailable for City throughout the group stages.

Nasri was on the verge of moving to Etihad Stadium but the midfielder made his first appearance of the season in Arsenal’s 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Liverpool on Saturday.

After the 3-2 win over Bolton that put City top of the fledgling Premier League table, Mancini expressed his frustration that the deal has not yet been finalised.

The Italian said: “I don’t know why we haven’t closed it.

“It’s a big problem (if he plays for Arsenal against Udinese) but I’m sure we can close in 24 hours, maybe 48. For Nasri it will be important he can play in all the Champions League matches.”

Wenger had previously claimed that Nasri is happy at Arsenal and that any deal for his possible departure is a long way from completion.

“He is happy here. There is no departure of Nasri at the moment,” Wenger told French media outlet TF1.

“Maybe one day, but it’s far, far, far from being done.”

On Sunday, City showed why they are expected to be title challengers with an impressive display against Bolton.

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