Link <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Arsenal are closing in on a triple French swoop with Samir Nasri, Clement Chantome and Francis Coquelin all understood to be on the verge of moving to North London. The biggest of the three deals is that of Nasri - who only recently signed a new long-term contract with Marseille. But l'OM have agreed to let him leave as they hope to sign Hatem Ben Arfa from Lyon as a replacement. Arsenal, who also have an interest in Ben Arfa, have agreed a deal for Nasri believed to be worth 15million euros (£11.9million). Nasri is expected in the English capital on Wednesday for a medical before signing a four-year deal. Ben Arfa's move looks closer after Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed he could leave and admitted he would rather he joined l'OM than a foreign club. "I am not opposed to Hatem's transfer to l'OM. My idea is very clear, with the same offers, I will prefer my player to join a French club than a foreign club. "French Football has to get more and more competitive teams for both Le Championnat and European Cups." Aulas then admitted that Arsenal are one of two Premier League clubs to make contact with him about Ben Arfa. "But I have not been contacted by l'OM officials yet," he said. "There is also interest from two English clubs, notably Arsenal." While Wenger is a fan of both Nasri and Ben Arfa - the l'OM man has always been his preference and it appears he is now close to capturing him. Nasri's signing is likely to be followed by the arrivals of Clement Chantome and Francis Coquelin. Chantome was one of the few Paris Saint Germain players to come out of last season with any plaudits after a string of impressive displays in central midfield. The 22-year-old has been likened to Mathieu Flamini and Wenger is reported to have met with the French Under 21 international in the last week. Coquelin - who is with third division Laval, has been on trial with Arsenal and although he picked up an injury during training - the 17-year-old seems to have done enough to earn a deal. It is believed Coquelin is currently in London undergoing a medical ahead of a deal. Meanwhile, Arsenal have also handed a trial to Ghanaian starlet Tawrick Jibril. The 16-year-old is currently with Hearts of Oak and has been linked with Atletico Madrid. Jibril will link-up with Arsenal in July and will hope to make an impression on Wenger.</div> Wow Nasri. Been called the next Zidane and I've been following him and Marseille for a couple years now. They are my favorite French team and i can't wait to see what he and Fabregas can pull off. With Fabregas' vision and coolness under pressure and Nasri's Pace and Shooting ability we could pose a serious title threat.
Great signing on the cheap for Nasri. Watch some English never was (Ashton) sign for 50% more with some team. -Petey
indeed they are. Not many Videos on the other two but Youtube Nasri and he's very good. Pacey, Confident and a fighter. He won't go down. Can't wait till the deal is final.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Max @ May 21 2008, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>indeed they are. Not many Videos on the other two but Youtube Nasri and he's very good. Pacey, Confident and a fighter. He won't go down. Can't wait till the deal is final.</div> No need to Youtube Nasri, I first seen him play at 17 and seen him in dozens of full matches ever since. As for the other two, also seen them play some matches when I was in France on those nifty Canal + sport packages. I already found an Arsenal CL jersey for 26 dollars. I may as well go with Nasri #22 on the back now.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (speeds @ May 21 2008, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>So what happened to the David Villa rumors?</div> I'd bet too expensive. Watch him go to the Spurs (or Chelsea) now. -Petey
with nasri i don't think he will be the next zindane as he doesn't have enough strengh but he will make a name for himself
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One @ May 21 2008, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Max @ May 21 2008, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>indeed they are. Not many Videos on the other two but Youtube Nasri and he's very good. Pacey, Confident and a fighter. He won't go down. Can't wait till the deal is final.</div> No need to Youtube Nasri, I first seen him play at 17 and seen him in dozens of full matches ever since. As for the other two, also seen them play some matches when I was in France on those nifty Canal + sport packages. I already found an Arsenal CL jersey for 26 dollars. I may as well go with Nasri #22 on the back now. </div> Yeh same i watch Ligue 1 when i can. Also don't bet on getting a #22 Jersey as Clichy currently occupies that one. I would bet on a #.8 Jersey myself <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Petey @ May 21 2008, 01:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (speeds @ May 21 2008, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>So what happened to the David Villa rumors?</div> I'd bet too expensive. Watch him go to the Spurs (or Chelsea) now. -Petey </div> Yeh probably too expensive. Wenger doesn't want to break his wage structure for anyone. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army @ May 21 2008, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>with nasri i don't think he will be the next zindane as he doesn't have enough strengh but he will make a name for himself</div> Well i don't think Zidane like for like. But they are both of Algerian Kabyle descent and both very talented players.
I hate when people compare players to others, Nasri is the first Nasri, that's the best way to put it. He's an entirely different type of player. Zidane is the best of his era, there is no need for comparisons. As for the #22, I actually bet Nasri will end up with the #10 as with the French National squad. Gallas as a defender shouldn't be wearing that number anyway, plus it isn't the number he originally wanted to have.
So does this signing mean that they don't expect Eduardo back, or at least back in form? Are they going to have Fabregas and Nasri side by side in the middle centre or what? Where does that leave Rosický?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (speeds @ May 22 2008, 08:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>So does this signing mean that they don't expect Eduardo back, or at least back in form? Are they going to have Fabregas and Nasri side by side in the middle centre or what? Where does that leave Rosický?</div> Yeh Eduardo will be back. Towards the end of the year but back none-the-less. I imagine Wenger will use Nasri and Fabregas Side-by-Side when he has Attack in mind but i think he will do his usual thing of turning Playmaking Midfielder into a very effective Winger. He's done it successfully with both Hleb and Rosicky.
I think Nasri will be part cover for Helb, Rosicky, Fabergas and play somewhat a 2nd striker role at times. He can fit in anywhere on the front line really. -Petey
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army @ May 22 2008, 02:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>yea but again it will be intresting to see him play next season and challenge united</div> obviously Vela won't do it alone but you never know. With the Nasri deal getting sealed soon (Hopefully) we could pose a real threat. Bad news though it looks like Marseille are going to buy Arsenal target Ben Arfa with the money raised by selling Nasri. Don't see why though as overall i rate Nasri higher then Ben Arfa though he is still a quality player.
I'm not sure this is the difference maker though. They did lose their CM and Helb is rumored on the way out too. I think Wenger needs to sign some older players. They have a great young team, but it was lead by Gallas. -Petey
yea you need a balance and harmony which means a mix unless all your players have the same type of personality
Hleb is likely to leave yeah, Inter has put up a great offer for the Belarusian. Ben Arfa, Nasri and Benzema are all considered as high price players these days. Three French Internationals with near unlimited potential. If Marseille lose Nasri, which is all likely at this point, then picking up Ben Arfa is a solid enough replacement. The two players have different playing styles and Ben Arfa obviously fits to what their manager wants in his XI.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (man_u_barmy_army @ May 23 2008, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Why would ben arfa go to a lower club in the same level?</div> Because he doesn't get many starts (Or as many as he really should) and it would be a new challenge. And i suppose he might of supported them as a boy or something.
