Manchester City have been set a deadline of Wednesday morning to complete a deal for Samir Nasri or else risk the player being cup tied for the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is willing to include Nasri in the starting line-up in their qualifying second leg against Udinese on Wednesday evening, with the Gunners holding a slight 1-0 advantage from the first leg at the Emirates.
Roberto Mancini has warned Wenger that he risks wrecking Samir Nasri’s £23m transfer to City if the Frenchman manager creates a “big problem” by selecting the midfielder for the European encounter.
Mancini admits he could shift his attentions elsewhere if Wenger calls on Nasri in Italy.
“If Nasri plays against Udinese, it could be possible (to pursue other targets), yes.” Mancini said. “I think we can close (the deal) in the next two days, but if he plays in the Champions League, it will be a big a problem.
“It’s a big problem because we have followed Nasri for 40 days and I hoped (it would be completed) in two days or in three days.
“I don’t know why we didn’t close it, but for Nasri, it will be important to play all the Champions League with us.”
Whilst including Nasri in Wednesday’s squad could devalue the player it does also give Manchester City a nudge with regards to urgency with Arsenal hoping to have enough time to replace Nasri before the transfer window shuts next week.
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