Arsene Wenger ready to risk losing Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri for nothing next season

Samir Nasri, Arsenal

Related Links

Teams

Players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he is willing to hang on to Samir Nasri this summer, even if it means seeing the Frenchman depart on a free transfer next year.

The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his current contract and has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Manchester City in recent weeks, with the current Premier League champions reportedly having a bid of £20 million turned down last month.

However, Wenger is reluctant to allow Nasri to leave, believing his compatriot can play an important role in the team’s title challenge next season.

Speaking to reporters in Malaysia, Wenger said: “I’m willing to keep him for another year, even if it means we risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time.

“I think the board agrees with me as it is a technical decision. Our goal is to win the championship and we need good players to do that.”

The north London club have offered the 24-year-old an improved long-term contract, but doubts have grown with a number of Premier League clubs showing interest in his services.

The midfielder played for the club in a 4-0 win over a Malaysia XI on Wednesday, and Wenger was pleased with his performance.

“Samir has always been committed to the team and we saw that today,” he added. “He did very well coming off the bench.”