Nasri pleases Wenger but Man City unhappy

Arsenal's Samir Nasri impressed during the Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday in London, England. (GETTY)

Published Sunday, August 21, 2011

By Agencies

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has refused to be drawn on speculation that Samir Nasri’s proposed move to Manchester City has collapsed.

A report from France’s CANAL+ emerged during Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool that talks between Nasri and City have broken down, as the Frenchman was selected in the Gunners’ starting line-up at Emirates Stadium.

It was widely expected that the deal was imminent with both clubs thought to be in advanced talks about the transfer and Roberto Mancini expressing his desire to finalise the move.

Nasri made his first appearance of the season for Arsenal in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates and Wenger revealed after the game he was in the dark about reports that the move to City had broken down.

“I don’t know more than you about that,” said Wenger.

“I think he had a good game and I said before the game that he was committed to play and he did not only play but he played well.

“I always say I’ve tried to keep Samir Nasri. He loves the club, he wants to play for the club.

“At the moment I’m happy he’s here.”

Nasri though was unable to prevent his current club from losing to Liverpool, who triumphed thanks to an Aaron Ramsey own goal and Luis Suarez strike, while Emmanuel Frimpong was sent off.

Asked about the future of Nasri, who has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract, Wenger said: “I think he had a good game and I said before the game that he was committed to play and he did not only play but he played well. I always said that I would try to keep Samir Nasri and I have never changed my mind on it because I played him today.

“He loves the club, he wants to play for us, if we decide to sell him we will do it and we have to stand up for it.”

Of his side’s display and the result, Wenger said: “We had eight players out and still had a good performance, so it is not all doom and gloom.

“We live under circumstances where every defeat is an absolutely a disgrace and an earthquake. We are very disappointed that we lost the game, but we are at the start of the season.

“The target is to have a good team and good players. You can spend money and have a bad team. You want the supporters to be happy and when you don’t win the game you can understand that they are not.

“For now it is important for us to lift the players because they are very disappointed today. We need to give them credit for their attitude and performance today, in the game it is very harsh to lose it the way we did.’’

Asked about the dismissal of teenager Frimpong, who received a yellow card in each half, Wenger said: “Frimpong was a victim of his lack of experience and of his enthusiasm and heart. He deserved a second yellow card, he should not have gone into that challenge.”

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