• Premier League

Manchester City set to complete £22.2m Nasri deal

ESPN staff
July 10, 2011
Samir Nasri is heading for Manchester © PA Photos
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Arsenal look to have lost their battle to keep hold of Samir Nasri, with Manchester City set to complete a £22.2 million transfer for the midfielder.

The Times reports on Sunday that the France international will pick up wages of £185,000-per-week, more than triple the money he currently earns at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal were willing to raise Nasri's salary to £110,000-per-week, but the player has made it clear to the club that he wants to leave, and the Gunners have sought the highest price despite Arsene Wenger's continued desire to battle for one of his prized assets.

City have pounced all over Arsenal's failure to secure their top names to long-term contracts this summer, having already picked up Gael Clichy in what appears to be a bargain £7 million transfer.

Like Clichy, Nasri only has 12 months to run on his contract, and the Arsenal board simply refuses to allow its most valuable assets to exit the club for free.

City have been authorised to press on with the transfer by Stan Kroenke, beating off interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, who have been linked with Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder respectively.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have already turned their attentions to finding a replacement. Aston Villa are believed to have received contact from the London club on Sunday for the services of Stewart Downing, who is valued at £19 million. Downing is also wanted by Liverpool.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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