[B]Nasri Has Pre-Contract Agreement To Join Arsenal[/B]
Contrary to reports in the media yesterday, the chances of Samir Nasri joining Atlético Madrid this summer remain extremely slim, as the player has already signed a pre-contract agreement to join Arsenal following the completion of France’s European Championship campaign.
A deal was negotiated with Marseille for Nasri last month, with the Gunners activating his ?15 million buy out clause. However, all the formalities were not completed in time, as Samir was involved with the French squad for Euro 2008, which has since seen the deal delayed.
The news of Atlético’s apparent interest, was broken by unreliable Spanish paper “Marca“, but shortly after this emerged, Marseille based news wire La Provence, which first broke Arsenal’s interest in Nasri, confirmed he has signed a pre-contract and will move after Euro 2008.
The reports claimed Madrid were readying an offer to beat the one which was offered by Arsène Wenger, but as the agreement is already in place with the Gunners, it would set up a difficult legal battle should he try and break off the imminent transfer.
Obviously the media are unhappy with Arsenal buying top players, and desperate to try and upset fans by claiming the potential deal could be in doubt. Whilst it is frustrating waiting for the signing to be announced, when your paying top money for a player like we are, it’s important to make sure every little detail is sorted out correctly. That’s why there has been a delay, not because it has fallen through.
Samir Nasri and his French side are in action this evening against Robin van Persie’s Holland, needing the win to keep alive their chances in the tournament. Should the Dutch come out winners tonight, then Nasri’s switch to Arsenal could be completed early if France are eliminated.
