Samir Nasri to tell Arsenal he wants to leave as Chelsea prepare to enter race with £20m bid

 

Chelsea are believed to be interested in acquiring the services of Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri.

The 24-year-old has only one year left on his current contract with the Gunners, who have been widely reported to have offered him a five-year contract to extend his stay at Ashburton Grove.

However, it is generally assumed that the Frenchman's reluctance to put pen to paper has been due to Arsenal's recent lack of silverware, as well as a wish for significantly improved wages.

Nasri is expected to return for pre-season training next week, but it is believed that the midfielder has become unsettled by the interest shown by other clubs.

According to The Mirror, the former Marseille man will meet with manager Arsene Wenger when he returns, to clarify the club's position on his demands before committing himself to signing a contract worth £90,000-a-week.

But it is thought that Nasri is prepared to press for a transfer away from the north London club, should offers from rival clubs prove tempting enough.

Now The Daily Mail reports that the Blues, who are believed to be in pursuit of Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, see the Gunner as an alternative target.

Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for Nasri, who produced his most impressive performances for Arsenal last season.