LONDON // Gael Clichy believes Samir Nasri can sparkle in the Premier League and help Arsenal's young Gunners challenge for the title. The French midfielder, 21, has been Arsene Wenger's costliest summer signing so far at £12 million (Dh87 million) from Marseille.
All eyes will be on Nasri as Arsenal look to show they can cope with the loss of Alexander Hleb, Gilberto Silva and Mathieu Flamini from the heart of their side last season. Clichy is confident that the man, compared to Zinedine Zidane, in the past because of his mercurial talent, will flourish in his new surroundings. "No one knows him here, but I am sure you won't have to wait long to get to know him," said the left-back, who is close friends with his fellow countryman.
"He will need time, a few months to adapt to English football, but he is a very good player. "Samir is a bit like Hleb, he can play on the right, left or centre, and while we will miss Hleb, I hope Samir does well for us. "He proved in France he could play for one of the biggest teams and I am sure he will show everyone he deserves to be at one of the biggest clubs in the world and play here for many years.
"People have left, but for me, it is different. The boss is French, he brought me here and I think he is one of the best. "To work with a manager like him and players like Cesc [Fabregas] and Robin [van Persie], we are all around 22 to 25 and it is a dream to play for Arsenal. So all the ingredients are together to progress well as a footballer personally and as a team. "Sometimes, of course, players think about money, but it is not the only thing to think about. At 23, I think you have many years in front of you to get money. The objective for me is not to get the big cash, it is to prove you can play at a high level for many years."
The reference to players wanting more money may well have been a criticism of Flamini and Hleb, and also Emmanuel Adebayor. But the Togo striker, who has been linked with Barcelona and AC Milan after demanding a more lucrative contract, has committed his future to Arsenal and set to sign an extension to his current deal, which has four years left. "I never told anyone I would be leaving this club, never ever," he said. "I'm very happy we've found a solution."
With that problem sorted, Wenger admits he wants one more player for his squad to be complete. An experienced central midfielder is the target with Gareth Barry still in the frame, although the French coach refused to confirm names. "If we can do one more signing we will do, it, but it will need to be quality," he added. "That is very difficult at the moment." Even if that doesn't happen, Clichy is convinced Arsenal still have the quality to rival Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool for success. "The objective is to progress so we will try and, like the boss says, we have the quality to compete in this league," he said.
@Email:akhan@thenational.ae
