EPL Transfer Rumors: Why Would Manchester United Sign Arsenal's Samir Nasri?

In general, the thought of Samir Nasri going to Manchester United is assumed to be salient enough that some Internet Joe might click on a relating headline.

This achieves an end, sure, but of little benefit to anyone other than its producer.

In reality, the idea is specious at best.

Most regrettable rumor stories and needless scuttlebutt start from a quote taken from context. In this instance, Nasri was asked about moving to Manchester United, and he didn't say "no"—implicit approval enough for some British papers.

"Do I want to go to Man United?" Nasri said to reporters at Telefoot. "Initially, we should see if it's real and if it is concrete."

That was all he said. But it hasn't stopped numerous publications regurgitating the quotes with spin, nor stopped me from writing this reaction piece.

Of course he wouldn't mind going to Manchester United—he plays for Arsenal. But there's little reason why Man United would want him and nor would their fans.

Furthermore, there is little precedent of star players switching from rival clubs within a domestic league. United manager Alex Ferguson himself tends to plunder prospects from mid- or lower-table clubs within the league, or reaches out to foreign clubs for more established stars.

In a footballing sense, he would fit into the team nicely as an attacking central midfielder, but United aren't about to sign Samir Nasri.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said so himself: "One thing's for sure, we're not selling him to United," he told French reporters.

Not really a lot of incentive for Wenger to sell his best player to his chief competition.

"We have a financial disagreement [with Nasri] which hasn't yet been settled. We are still in discussions, but we haven't agreed a deal."

In other words, not surprisingly the Nasri trying to get as paid as possible. Name-dropping Manchester United probably didn't hurt.

Anyways, the Red Devils' fans wouldn't want him either. He's scored against them, and they are thereby conditioned to hate him.

Manchester United are rumored to be targeting Luka Modric from Spurs, which may intuitively go against everything I've just written.

However, Spurs aren't Arsenal and United have no real rivalry with Tottenham. Nor does the northern club see Spurs as real competitors. Apparently, nor would Spurs if they agreed to sell him to United.

Ultimately, United are more likely to persuade Wesley Sneijder from Inter or falling back on an overpriced Modric only after other options are consumed.

Fans of the Red Devils should at least rest assured a certain snood-wearing Frenchman is highly unlikely to pollute their club's ranks.

Which is fine, despite him being an exceptional footballer with a special balanced, two-footed mode that appreciated by high-minded elitist hobnobs.

As worst United fans will have to endure a different snood-wearer: This one an English winger from a comfortably smaller, West Midlands club.

And through the years at Old Trafford, may he either achieve greatness through the brilliant application of the game of football or become a lascivious replica of himself as power, fortunes, and popularity lead his will astray.

Or both.

Or neither...

But thanks for reading.