Samir Nasri refuted any claims that he asked for a return to Arsenal. There were reports going around that the French attacking midfielder approached his former Arsenal boss with a view to get back to the Emirates stadium.
The report claimed that the former Gunner is now unsettled at Manchester City and spoke to Arsene Wenger. But Nasri sought to quash any such rumours by taking to Twitter. He posted two messages on his official account to say that the reports had nothing to do with him.
How true is this bizarre story? The story claimed that the 28-year-old Nasri has been told by Wenger that the Gunners squad is packed with creative midfielders. And that he would be surplus to his current requirements. This could be true because Wenger is surely blessed with many midfielders in his squad now. That’s not the question. The real question was if Nasri actually asked for a return.
Nasri played for Arsenal for three seasons between 2008 and 2011 during which he represented the club 125 times. His transfer to Manchester City was acrimonious and most of the club supporters can never forgive him for the circumstances. The transfer was unforgivable for most of the fans because Nasri proclaimed that he moved to City joining a club with “more passionate” fans, and of course the old nugget “I want to win trophies”. No mention of his 150,000 a week contract then?.
City are expected to freshen up their midfield this summer. The squad was ridiculed for lacking new ideas and new recruits are being lined up to take City to the next level. Paul Pogba, Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling are just some of the names that are being linked up with Manuel Pellegrini as he looks to ramp up the squad and challenge for honours next season.
It was almost confirmed by the club sources that Nasri would be one of the first to be sold. He had very little game time for City last season though he made 29 appearances for the club in all competitions. It was significantly lesser than the games he could get in the previous three campaigns.
Nasri may have won two Premier League winners medals with City but is now close to an exit. But, this in no way guarantees that he would look to get back to Arsenal. Even if he would like to, Wenger may not want him back. Even if Wenger would agree, there is every chance that a majority of Gunners fans will not welcome him back.
What do you think? If this is a true story, will Nasri be welcomed at the club? Is his exit easy to be forgiven?
Sridhar