Roberto Mancini has admitted he could pull the plug on a deal for Samir Nasri if he plays in the Champions League for Arsenal on Wednesday, the Guardian understands.
Nasri, who made a surprise start in the Gunners defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, is in line to start against Udinese in the play-off second leg, which would make him ineligible for City’s campaign in the competition.
Mancini has declared that if Arsene Wenger does play his £25 million target it could prove to be a deal-breaker leaving the midfielder stuck at the Emirates.
“If he plays in the Champions League [for Arsenal] it is a big problem. I don’t know [if we would still sign him]. I’m sure we can close the deal.” The Italian said.
“But it’s a problem because we have followed Nasri for 40 days and it’s important we take him. Also, for Nasri, I think it will be important [for him] to play in all the Champions League.”
Despite the threat of Nasri being unable to play in the Champions League and reports in France claiming the deal had broken down the City boss is confident of bringing the 24-year-old to the Etihad Stadium and believes an agreement will be reached soon.
“In the next 24 hours, maybe 48 hours” He said.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’right’]
