Former Arsenal playmaker Samir Nasri is poised to part ways with Antalyaspor, so could he return to the Premier League?
Samir Nasri could be on the market this January after Turkish club Antalyaspor confirmed that the former Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder will be allowed to leave.
The 30-year-old moved to Turkey upon leaving the Etihad Stadium in the summer but his new club have encoutered financial difficulties and are preparing a deal to terminate his contract, according to Sky Sports.
Antalyaspor board member Cumhur Arici discussed Nasri’s situation with the Dogan news agency in Turkey, and Sky Sports quotes him as saying: “A clear decision has been made for a parting of the ways with Nasri.
“His manager will come and negotiations will be made on the subject of money owed and we will part company.”
This would mean that Nasri would be available on a free transfer if any Premier League club wanted to try to tempt him back to England, where he won two top-flight titles and two League Cups with City.
West Ham United seems the most plausible destination for the 41-cap France international, with David Moyes in the market for an attacking midfielder and failing to land Inter Milan’s Joao Mario on loan, as Sky Sports reports.
The Hammers have been touted with an interest in Nicholas Gaitan, but Marca understands that the Atletico Madrid winger would cost £18m, and Nasri would be a much cheaper alternative who is proven in the Premier League.
Although he was quickly outcast by Pep Guardiola, the graceful midfielder proved that he could still perform at a good level last season when on loan at Sevilla, for whom he played 23 times in La Liga to help them finish fourth.
Nasri’s salary demands may be a stumbling block, but West Ham’s owners rarely shirk at paying big wages to marquee names, and may feel that the money saved on a transfer fee is worth investing in Nasri’s pay.
In 245 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and City, Nasri scored 36 goals and provided 42 assists.
What do you think, West Ham fans? Would Samir Nasri be a good signing if available on a free transfer?
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