Nasri Asks Wenger Not To Cup-Tie Him

Samir Nasri has asked Arsene Wenger not to play him against Udinese in the Champions League second leg qualifier on Wednesday so that he remains eligible to play in the Champions League, allowing Manchester City to sign him as soon as possible, according to the Guardian.

Wenger has been forced to accept Nasri's position, and the French midfielder will now not travel to Italy on Tuesday to prepare for the all important game on Wednesday.

Wenger had said earlier in the week that he had no problems in selecting Nasri for the mid-week game, because qualifying for the Champions League is more important than the individual case of Nasri. However, under pressure from Nasri, Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini, and probably the board, who wish to cash in on £25 million rated Nasri,Wenger has had to back down in his stance.

Wenger raised some eyebrows when he played Nasri against Liverpool on Saturday, as some thought his move to City was imminent, however, there are still some fine points to complete, including sorting out the fees of agents and lawyers who have been involved in the process.

Nasri seems keen to have the deal completed, as do City, and once Arsenal finally have the guarantee of the money from the sale, Wenger can begin to rebuild his side with the needed replacements. However, in the immediate future of the Udinese game, it is a blow for Arsenal, who will now have to hold onto their narrow goal lead away from home without one of their bes attacking players.

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Arsenal Held to Ransom Over Nasri

Manchester City are threatening to pull out of the deal for Samir Nasri if Arsenal play him in their Champions League qualifying second leg match against Udinese on Wednesday.

Roberto Mancini claimed that the deal should be wrapped up in the next two days, but if Nasri were to appear on Wednesday, making him cup-tied in Europe, and unable to play a part in Manchester City's Champions League journey, it would be a "big problem."

In fact, it wouldn't just be a big problem for Mancini, but it may mean that he would pursuit other targets, pulling out of the deal. His comments also indicate that Nasri will not be a City player before Wednesday. Mancini said:

"If Nasri plays against Udinese, it could be possible [to pursue other targets], yes. 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. A big 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."

However, Arsene Wenger doesn't seem bothered by this threat, and will do whatever necessary - including playing his best players - to get through and into the Champions League. When asked if he was worried about Nasri being cup-tied, Wenger asserted:

"No. What is important to us is to qualify. Both Manchester clubs are on the case. Perhaps one day, but it's a long, long, long way from being done."

Wenger's comments also suggest that City's rivals Manchester United are still in the hunt for Nasri. United were thought to have given up on the French midfielder to concentrate on capturing Wesley Sneijder, but it seems Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping his options open.

The worst thing that could possibly happen from this "threat" from Mancini is that Nasri will not be bought by City for £25 million, but will instead either leave for free next season or join Manchester United this season. Wenger must utilize all he has in the present moment, and Nasri is important to European qualification, so expect to see Nasri in the squad on Wednesday at the expense at his move to City.

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Gibbs & Djourou Injury Update

Arsenal won the first leg of their Champions League qualifying game against the Italian side Udinese, with a nicely worked Theo Walcott goal early on allowing the Gunners to take a lead to Italy. However, injuries to both Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou will have dampened the mood around the Emirates.

Gibbs started the game but was substituted at half time with a hamstring injury, and his Swiss replacement Djourou only lasted a few minutes, being replaced by new Arsenal signing Carl Jenkinson with the same complaint as Gibbs.

Both players are now doubts for Arsenal's game against Liverpool on Saturday with hamstring problems, but neither should miss too much more of the season, with the injuries only thought to be minor.

Walcott's goal for Arsenal can be seen below:

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Alexis Sanchez "Worth As Much As Messi"

Dear, oh dear. Inflation. It really is funny sometimes, isn't it? Sometimes people get excited - over excited, and then bawl out ridiculous figures for clubs to ponder in the process of bidding for a player, and whoever was bidding for Udinese's Alexis Sanchez will have had a nasty shock recently.

The Udinese Preseident, Gino Pozzo has gone all ridiculous, and stated that his player Alexis Sanchez is worth way more than the £30 million that has been offered for him, but the Chilean winger is worth as much as the best player in the world, Lionel Messi. He said:

"To me, Sanchez is worth as much as [Lionel] Messi. That's just my personal opinion, though."

"It is very hard to find any other players of his level. We have received an offer of €35m for him, but we rejected it. I think that he is worth more than that."

It prompts the question; how much is Lionel Messi worth? Well, at today's standards, with Ronaldo going to Madrid for £80 million, you would think at least that price, probably more. Barcelona of course would not consider selling him for anything less.

Now to the question of if Sanchez is as good or as effective as Lionel Messi. Most of you who watch football would immediately say 'no way', which is supported well by the figures. Sanchez has scored 12 goals this season in the Italian Serie A, whilst assisting 6. Messi meanwhile, has been very busy in the La Liga, scoring a massive 31 and assisting 18, having played only 2 games more than Sanchez.

Manchester United and their local rivals City have both shown an interest in the 22 year-old Udinese winger, but United will most certainly be put off by the astronomical figures quoted. Sir Alex Ferguson most certainly has at least £30 million to spend, but with a new goalkeeper and central midfielder Manchester United's prority, he will be in no hurry to spend over £30 million on a winger.

Nani, Valencia and Park occupy those positions well enough, whilst the twins Fabio and Rafael could easily play further up field if back up is needed. City on the other hand will spend as much as their heart desires, and with a bottomless pit of money occupying their eyes, their hearts will be pumping fast at the prospect of big money signings, even if they aren't needed.

Conclusion? Sanchez isn't worth as much as Messi, the Udinese President thinks he is, a club would have to put in a bid of at least £35 million to even be in with a chance of agreeing a deal, Manchester United won't spend that much and City will do what they like. So, if Sanchez goes anywhere in England, it could only by City, unfortunately.

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What Would Alexis Sanchez Bring to Manchester United?

Alexis Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, either in January or the summer, so there must be something special about the 21 year-old which has reportedly caught Sir Alex Ferguson's eye.

After watching him in action, it is clear to see that he is a tricky player on the wing. He has plenty of flicks and tricks up his sleeve, and at times can embarrass the opposing defenders. His explosive pace is also an element of his game which stands him out from the crowd, and with his small, 5 foot 6 frame, he is able to combine both his trickery and pace to run defenders ragged.

Players who have frightening pace and can also deliver an accurate cross are somewhat hard to come by nowadays. Walcott and Lennon are England's finest culprits at times, and I'm sure there are plenty more like them, but Sanchez has the raw ability to do both. His versatility is impressive, as he can work effectively on both wings as well as up front on his own - although his goalscoring has been called into question due to only 9 goals in 77 appearances for current club Udinese.

With Nani and Sanchez in the team, United would be in a great position when it comes to deliveries into the box and general creativity. However, they do also both have a tendency to go to ground and hold their legs in apparent agony - at times to easily - which is unfortunate, as diving is of course cheating, but the amount of free-kicks awarded to United would also be increased, therefore increasing set pieces and the chance of  goal. Antonio Valencia will be returning soon, so Ferguson would have competition for wide places - which should only be a healthy thing for a big club like United.

He is also a hard worker. He can track back on those wings as well as attack - making some good tackles and then sending his own team on the counter. He would be a useful player who would add depth to any team, but when you are nicknamed "the Wonder Boy", are named as one of the 50 most exciting players in world football, and are attracting interest from some of the best managers in the world, you must be pretty special.

The Chilean certainly has a good future ahead of him, but whether it will be at Manchester United after a £15 million move, we will have to wait and see.

Man United Scouting the "next Ronaldo" and the "next Ozil"

When Manchester United signed Anderson in 2007, he was tipped to be the "next Ronaldinho". 58 games, one goal, and a serious car crash later, and it looks as if the pressure of being compared to such a high calibre player may have gotten the better of this promising talent (although at the young age of 22, there is lots of time for him to improve). United will therefore be hoping that Alexis Sanchez and Ilkay Gundogan, of Udinese and FC Nurnburg respectively, will live up to the stars that they have been compared to, rather than being a bit of a disappointment.

The "next Ronaldo" is the first player I mentioned, Chilean 21 year old, Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez has fantastic dribbling ability at explosive pace, with excellent technique and an eye for goal, his attributes extend to his good crossing ability, as well as being able to play on either wing, and up front as a striker. His finishing may not be up to scratch, after having only scored 9 goals in 73 Udinese games, but when United bought Ronaldo in 2003 (admittedly younger than Sanchez) the Portuguese had only scored 3 goals in 25 appearances for Sporting Lisbon, so the Chilean winger could certainly improve at United.

The player’s agent Fernando Felicevich said in an interview:

“Yes they (Manchester United) are watching him, and it could be a possibility in the future.

“I have heard that another Premier League club also enquired, but they didn’t contact me. For the time being the only thing I have heard is from Manchester United."

So, there is definitive contact from Manchester United to the agent about the player. This isn't just a rumour.

The "next Mesut Ozil" is 20 year old German midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan. This is just a rumour, so don't get excited about how much truth it involves, but reportedly, United have been scouting the German, and he has "impressed" them. He scored twice in FC Nurnberg’s 3-2 win over Werder Bremen at the weekend and is valued at around £8m.

Manchester United were know admirers of the "real" Mesut Ozil in the summer, but Real Madrid - the team that seem interested in any player that Manchester United are also interested in, tempted the German to Spain. Now, Ferguson may be looking for a cheaper, younger option of a similar German player, and someone who can set his midfield alight.

Ferguson has recently been signing more youngsters than big name signings, maybe to start on his "new generation" of stars and legends to replace the likes of Scholes, Giggs and Neville, or maybe it's because the big money isn't there. However, exciting youngsters with flare and determination are always welcome at Manchester United, and these two players tick the boxes.