Arsenal Transfer Debate: Will Samir Nasri Gain 'Hleb' Syndrome and Leave Wenger?

The last fortnight or so has seen the promising Arsenal campaign derailed with the Gunners eliminated from the Carling Cup Final, UEFA Champions League round of 16 and the FA Cup quarter finals.

It has grown increasingly likely for Arsene Wenger and his men that their notorious five-season trophy drought will enter its six-year regime as injuries and psychological issues begin to mount and eventually overpower the North London giants.

But it hasn't been all bad this season for the Arsenal faithful. There are a number of glistening factors that will somewhat mitigate the lack of silverware, if it is to continue. The emergence of teenage sensation Jack Wilshere has been a highlight. The Englishman was touted as a potential superstar since 2008 but lack of opportunity and Wenger's tentative approach to protect Wilshere, which has ultimately benefited the young gun, saw the 18-year-old fall somewhat out of the limelight.

However, a stellar loan spell with EPL side Bolton last season gave Wilshere adequate experience and skills to prosper in World Football's toughest league. This season the English midfield has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League as well as forcing experienced midfielders Denilson, Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky to the Arsenal bench.

Thirty-nine appearances in all competitions and two goals have seen Wilshere as a standout performer for the Gunners and a genuine contender for the PFA Young Player of the Year and PFA Team of the Year. Furthermore, his induction into the England National Squad and the signing of a new long-term contract with Arsenal ensures the future is bright for not just the Gunners but the Three Lions.

Yet surprisingly, it isn't quite the pick of the Arsenal season so far. The newfound consistency and dominance of French dynamo Samir Nasri has been a joy to watch for not only Arsenal fans but the footballing world.

It was evident the Nasri had talent; since arriving at the Gunners from French giants Olympique de Marseille in 2008 for £12.5 million, the French international continually showed glimpses of terrific talent and attacking prowess, but his lack of consistency towed him down.

Fortunately, this season a refreshed Nasri has become arguably one of the best attacking midfielders in World Football with displays of amazing feet, sharpness, passing and solo goals. In 38 appearances the 23-year-old has 14 goals, equal on the top with Robin van Persie on the Arsenal scoring list.

Nasri's form is reminiscent of Alexander Hleb. The former Arsenal winger was similar in style to the Frenchman, and although the Belarusian was occasionally brilliant, consistency was a big lacking factor.

But in 2007/2008, the experienced attacker blossomed as consistency began to become a part of Hleb's game. The Belorussian was devastating on the left midfield as Arsenal dominated proceedings in the EPL and Carling Cup. But similar to Arsenal's current season, their form fell away in an almost identical season as they were eliminated from all three Cup competition before eventually falling away in the Premier League title chase.

With Hleb enjoying a strong season of 42 appearances, the Belarus international was considered one of the Europe's best wingers, which sadly got to his head. Demanding increased pay and an atmosphere that commanded trophies and success, Hleb turned his back on Arsenal and departed to rivals Barcelona for €17 million.

The Spanish kings already boasted a formidable lineup with devastating attackers, and it was hard to picture Hleb amassing the consistency of appearances he boasted with Arsenal. Nonetheless Hleb got his wish as Barcelona won the La Liga and the Champions League.

However it was a limp contribution from Hleb, who managed 19 league appearances and nine Champions League features, predominantly from the bench. The former FC BATE midfielder also endured a rapid loss in form as his reputation fell spectacularly.

Barcelona felt that Hleb's contribution was barely needed and thus resulted in a loan spell to German giants VFB Stuttgart for the entire 2009/2010. The Belarus dynamo enjoyed more consistent playing time but looked a nothing like the player that tormented some of the best defenders when with Arsenal.

This season Hleb has enjoyed a solid season on loan at EPL side Birmingham City. Hleb has featured 16 times for the Blues, but sadly few remember just how good the Belarusian once was and even Hleb admits leaving Arsenal was the biggest mistake of his career.

What's worse is that Nasri's current season is emphatically stronger that Hleb's 2007/2008 season. The Frenchman's contract issues with Arsenal have also been a running debate since the beginning of the season. With Nasri's contract at the Emirates expiring at the end of next season, Wenger is keen for the former Marseille playmaker to sign a long-term contract but the French star has been tentative to put pen to paper.

Nasri's form has been noted by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan to say the least. With the 23-year-old so eager to attain trophies and success, if Arsenal season continues to diminish, Nasri could gain "Hleb syndrome." If so Arsenal will be forced to offload Nasri in the upcoming summer or risk losing their midfielder for nothing the following season.

It is evident Nasri has much love for the Gunners, certainly more than Hleb ever did, but could money and silverware be too tempting for Arsenal's classy Frenchman?