Nasri and Fabregas will stay at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger says captain Cesc Fabregas is staying at Arsenal and that Samir Nasri is very happy at the Emirates.

Gunners captain Fabregas is wanted by his boyhood club Barcelona, while Nasri is a reported target for several of Arsenal’s Premier League rivals.

Widespread reports had suggested that Wenger was finally prepared to allow Spain international Fabregas to return to the Nou Camp this summer, providing Barcelona meet the club’s £35 million asking price.

However, Wenger is not planning to let the 24-year-old leave the Emirates Stadium and he also intends to keep Nasri at the club.

France international Nasri has just 12 months remaining on his contract and has been the subject of reported interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Premier League champions United have reportedly seen a £20 million bid knocked back already, while City were rumoured to be willing to pay £22 million after recently signing Gael Clichy from Arsenal.

But, after arriving in Malaysia for the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the Far East, Wenger confirmed he expects Fabregas and Nasri to be part of his plans for the coming campaign.

Speaking about Fabregas’ future, Wenger said: “Yes, I am convinced Cesc will stay.

“It is as simple as that. I never speak about what’s happening behind closed doors. Cesc loves the club and hopefully we’ll manage.

“We know that this story for Barcelona goes on for years now and we have to close that and for ourselves to focus on the season hopefully with Cesc Fabregas.

“It’s given too many headlines to newspapers for too much time, I think it’s enough.”

Asked about Nasri, Wenger added: “Will he be at the club next season? I say yes. The second part (of the question) - will he sign a new contract? I hope yes, but I am not the only one to decide.”

“There is always speculation when a player has only one contract year to go and has not signed a new contract that he might leave the club.

“But Samir Nasri is very happy at the club and is committed to staying at the club.”

With Fulham, Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Lisbon interested in Bendtner and Atletico Madrid and Malaga leading the chase for Almunia, Wenger admitted their exits are only a matter of time.

He added: “Both are possible departures, they are talking to other clubs at the moment.”
 
And on new Ivory Coast hitman Gervinho, Wenger said: “He has joined training today at London Colney, he has come back from holiday and signed.

“He had a medical on Thursday but we sent him back home because he has a family with children. It was so he has time to sort things out for two days.
 
“He came back yesterday and starts his fitness programme in London today. He is officially an Arsenal player now.

“But I decided not to take him on the tour because he has had no training sessions.”

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