Arsenal: Why Samir Nasri Is Right to Question His Future at the Emirates

Arsene Wenger must be reeling as he watches his failed empire fall before his eyes. Rumors surrounding the departure of club captain Cesc Fabregas have become a perennial hindrance to the Gunner’s summer transfer window but it always seemed that the Frenchman had enough depth in his squad to replace the Spaniard.

It is therefore an unfortunate twist of fate that the Frenchman now looks set to lose left back Gael Clichy and, perhaps more alarmingly, Samir Nasri.

In recent seasons, Nasri has been one of Arsenal’s star performers, if a little inconsistent at times. When the 23-year-old filled the void in Arsenal’s midfield following the injury to club captain Cesc Fabregas, alongside a very able Jack Wilshere, the prospect of losing the want- away captain was no longer as bleak as it had been in recent seasons. Nasri’s refusal to commit to a new contract, despite only having one year left in his current deal has therefore been a bitter blow to all members of the Arsenal faithful.

Naturally much debate has circulated around the media and fan forums over the past week about the storm that has erupted. Indeed it is a far cry from an interview that Nasri gave in February when he stated “I am enjoying my time at Arsenal and in London, and I feel there’s still a lot for me to contribute.” (Source: Goal.com) When taking these words into account, Nasri’s current actions can fairly be viewed as a major U- turn.

Is Nasri being disloyal to Arsenal?  Is Nasri’s refusal to re-sign simply out of greed? Or could Nasri better his career by leaving Arsenal?

Given Arsenal’s incredible capitulation in the dying stages of the season Nasri is certainly justified in wondering if Arsenal is the club that can bring him the success he craves. How can a team of Arsenal’s stature go from aiming for a historic quadruple to nothing?

Greed could also be a factor; given Arsenal’s tight control of their finances it is likely that he will be able to get a better wage elsewhere. It has been suggested that Nasri is demanding wages in excess of £110, 000 a week instead of the £90, 000 currently being offered to him by the Gunners. If Nasri is the man to fill Fabregas’ boots is it not reasonable to pay him the same wage?

If money is the only reason behind Nasri’s refusal to re- sign then he is undoubtedly being greedy, and disloyal. It is at Arsenal where he blossomed into the player he is today, but, the problem for Arsenal is they have made it too easy for him to argue that the club cannot bring him the success he desires.

Nasri’s argument that Arsenal are not good enough to win competitions trumps any challenges that argue he is being greedy. The fact is, as painful as it may be for Arsenal fans to hear, Arsenal are not good enough to win trophies.  Supposing Arsenal offered Nasri a bigger wage then a potential suitor, such as Manchester United, would it not be greedy for Nasri to stay with Arsenal given the fact that he is more likely to win a major trophy with United?

It would not be disloyal for Nasri to leave Arsenal if he felt the club could offer him nothing or vice versa. He does need to think about his career and it is likely that a move away from the Emirates will benefit his career. He has been honest and forthright, you cannot argue against that.

It will however antagonise fans if he left for Manchester United. Given that a move to Tottenham does not look likely at all this would be the biggest kick in the teeth for Arsenal, yet the prospect of the Frenchman leaving for United looks incredibly likely. Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield was desperately out played in the Champions League final and Nasri will bring the extra quality that United need. Press speculation certainly seems to suggest that this is the most likely outcome from the saga, at the moment.

A move to a top European club may be considered the most amicable destination in the eyes of the Arsenal community and it is a prospect that the Frenchman has refused to rule out. It has been suggested that Nasri could be on his way to Real Madrid in a move that could total £35 million; if this is true then it is will soften the blow for even the most ardent of Arsenal fans. Given the fact that Arsenal are likely to be competing in the Champions League season the move could however still have a sting in the tail for Arsenal.

Samir Nasri is certainly in the more powerful position, there is no contract for Wenger to use against the winger, unlike previous battles that the manager had to keep Fabregas. He can either give into Nasri’s demands or sell him. Allowing Nasri to leave for free in the same way Mathieu Flamini did several seasons ago is inconceivable.

In short; Nasri has every right to question whether Arsenal can give him the success he needs, he is not breaking any rules in his contract. He has not disgraced himself and is justified in considering his future at the Emirates.