Nasri commits to City
Following a somewhat inconsistent season for City, there have been reports that the club could try and offload Samir Nasri this term. However, the French international has moved to quickly rebuff such speculation, claiming that his aim is to stay at the Etihad Stadium for a long time and that the club has not said that they are willing to listen to offers.
Nasri, who has been a key performer for the French national side through Euro 2012, says that he has no intention of leaving the club. He said, “Yes of course [I will be playing for City next season]. That is why I said something to L’Equipe because they wrote something that isn’t true. I spoke with Brian Marwood and everyone and they want me to stay at the club for a long time in Manchester.”
The report that Nasri is referring to relates to an article that claimed City were trying to sell the midfielder. The article stated that City chiefs were exploring the possibility of using Nasri in a player-exchange for Dortmund midfielder Thomas Muller. This would kill two birds with one stone, with City desperate to reduce their wage bill ahead of the forthcoming financial regulations, while also strengthening their squad at the same time.
However, if what Nasri says is true, it looks as though he’ll be a Blues player for some time to come. Having transferred from Arsenal in 2011, Nasri was viewed as one of the key men who could make City a serious force in English football. Unfortunately, his opening season at the Etihad Stadium was disappointing and towards the end, he started to find opportunities more limited. Still, following an impressive Euro 2012, the 24-year-old will be hopeful of reigniting his City career as he bids for a second successive Premier League title.