Samir Nasri can make impact at Arsenal

Arsène Wenger believes Samir Nasri may have an impact "at the highest level", but seems to have to wait a little longer before completing the capture of french Thursday in Marseilles.

Nasri, who turns 21 later this month, is currently preparing for Euro 2008 with France, and negotiations on a move to the Emirates Stadium have taken longer than expected.

It was understood midfielder, who can play at centre or on the wing, was due in England for a doctor at the weekend and put the finishing touches to a £ 12million, four-year deal.

However, Gunners boss Wenger said the formal completion of the transfer May now not happen until the jewel tournament in Austria and Switzerland, where France faces World Cup winners Italy, Netherlands and Romania in the so-called "Group of Death".

Wenger, however, is undoubtedly taking Nasri is another sound investment for the future.

"In 21 years while its future ahead of him and he (very) a margin to advance further," said Wenger french newspaper La Provence.

He, in any event, the qualities necessary to assert himself at the highest level ".

Wenger made it clear he continues to have great faith in its team of young, but admitting that they would benefit from adding an experience of "super-talent."

However, after seeing Mathieu Flamini left Emirates Stadium to join AC Milan on a free transfer, the Arsenal boss is determined not to lose any more men coming of pre-season training.

Reports, though, after Alexander Hleb link with a move to Barcelona, despite the Belarus international play suggestions he was ready to leave the Gunners.

Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa is another said to be on summer Wenger shopping list, and midfielder Piotr Trochowski of Hamburg, Zenit St. Petersburg Andrei Arshavin and Valencia forward David Villa.

Arsenal have not failed promises in Wales as young Aaron Ramsey Cardiff acknowledged allowing two Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, discuss with the player. However, remain favourites to sign him.

Sevilla's new £ 5million signing Lautaro Acosta says he rejected the possibility of joining the Gunners from the Argentine club Atletico Lanus.

Nevertheless, confidence is high Gunners provide another challenge for sustainable national and European honours next season after having swept the top of the Barclays Premier League only to fade in recent weeks.

Deputy Director Pat Rice, no doubt, the players will return stronger for their experiences.

"If you go back to the period of closure, the so-called experts were out of us, that we would be happy if we finish in the top eight. This will show you how good the east side, "Rice told the club's official website.

"I think the experience and disappointments we endured throughout last season, will make sure we come back even stronger and more committed."

Rice - whose playing career at Arsenal spans three decades and 528 appearances - maintains speculation he was set to leave the club were "a lie".

"As far as I'm concerned, my role this summer is no different from the way it has been since Arsene came here in 1996," said 59-year old defender Northern Ireland, which won the double with Arsenal in 1971.

"Until he tells me something different, I'll still be in my normal role as his assistant and we are eager to pre-season as usual."

Meanwhile, Fulham have announced managing director David McNally is leaving the club, and cease "all its functions and responsibilities with immediate effect".

McNally - who helped Harrods supremo Mohamed Fayed take over the club in west London in 1997, as well as play an influential role in services manager Roy Hodgson who led a remarkable escape from relegation season last - has been linked with the CEO role at Arsenal, which became vacant following the shock departure of Keith Edelman during May.

DiggIt!Add to del.icio.usAdd to Technorati Faves

0 comments: