Gunners set sights on Nasri

Arsenal keen to bring French ace to England

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 18th May 2008

Nasri Samir

Nasri: In demand

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Arsenal are believed to be preparing a summer swoop for Marseille starlet Samir Nasri.

The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Mathieu Flamini to Milan and have identified the French international as their prime target.

The 20-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Stade Velodrome just a fortnight ago, but it is understood that the deal was only agreed in order to settle a transfer protocol with the Ligue 1 club.

Marseille are subsequently in a position to demand 17.8million euros (£14million) for the player, a figure which Arsene Wenger may struggle to meet.

If the Gunners fail in their attempts to bring the playmaker to Emirates Stadium, Internazionale and Real Madrid are expected to renew the interest they showed in Nasri last year.

Offers

Eric Gerets admits that the likelihood of keeping the midfielder in France looks slim and expects one of Europe's top clubs to come knocking during the close season.

"Before thinking about bringing in reinforcements over the summer we need to know who is going to stay, and above all the players I want to keep," the Marseille boss told L'Equipe.

"If there is a big offer for Samir, then of course he will leave.

"I can't criticize the club because it is the same everywhere. When there is a huge offer made, players leave."