• Premier League

Wenger 'optimistic' over Nasri deal

ESPN staff
April 24, 2011
Samir Nasri has been a key member of Arsenal's squad this season © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger is confident Samir Nasri will sign a new Arsenal deal in the summer.

Nasri's current contract expires next summer and although Arsenal were rumoured to be considering cashing in on the 23-year-old rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer, Wenger insists he is determined to hang onto his key players.

Gael Clichy also only has a year left on his contract and Wenger is hopeful both players will commit their long-term futures to the club.

"We are talking to Nasri and his agent already and we have the same situation with Clichy. We have agreed to speak about it during the summer," Wenger said. "The players have the opportunity here to do it in their own way, with their own philosophy, with their own togetherness.

"When you sign a contract for four or five years, you are committed through your contract to win trophies with the club where you sign. It is in no contract that if you do not win a trophy the first year, you can leave."

Wenger's transfer policy has come under scrutiny as Arsenal look likely to end another season without any silverware, but the Gunners boss insists the club continue to have an "absolute commitment to youth".

"It cannot be a philosophy that if at any time we do not win I should move on," Wenger said. "It is down to belief, the direct consequence of the motivation you put into your next game.

"If your belief is very low, your feeling is very low. What I think we can get from our performances is the belief that we have the quality."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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