Gunners must wait for Nasri

French midfielder's move to Arsenal is put on hold

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Samir Nasri

Nasri: Top target

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Arsenal are unlikely to complete a move for Marseille starlet Samir Nasri until after Euro 2008.

The French international tops the Gunners' wanted list, but negotiations are taking longer than expected.

It had been reported that the midfielder had already agreed terms at Emirates Stadium and would put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal before the European Championship gets underway on Saturday.

However, that scenario now appears to have been scuppered and Arsene Wenger must wait until the 20-year-old returns from international duty before finalising the deal.

"Nasri interests me," said the Arsenal boss.

Complicated

"I hope I will do it after the Euros. It is more complicated now because the wage differences (between the Premier League and Ligue 1) are not as big as they used to be.

"Just look at Karim Benzema. He is 20 and recently signed a new deal with Lyon.

"England is considered one of the two top leagues and the best players want to play against the best players."

Wenger has targeted Nasri as a direct replacement for the Barcelona-bound Alexander Hleb.

The Belarusian is expected to complete a move to Camp Nou in the next few days, with the £12million transfer fee helping to fund a move for his successor.