Transfer Centre

Roberto Mancini in Samir Nasri transfer threat

By Jack Prescott, Rugby EditorPublished: 22 August 2011 12:05 AM

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini threatens to stop his pursuit of Samir Nasri if the Arsenal midfielder becomes cup-tied in the Champions League.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has threatened to end his pursuit of Samir Nasri if the Arsenal midfielder becomes cup-tied in the Champions League.

The Gunners face Udinese on Wednesday and manager Arsene Wenger has said that he is not afraid to play the Frenchman, meaning he will be unable to play in the competition should he move to City.

"If Nasri plays against Udinese, it could be possible [to pursue other players], yes," Mancini said.

"I think we can close [the deal] in the next two days, but if he plays in the Champions League, it will be a big problem. A big problem."

He added: “It’s a big problem because we have followed Nasri for 40 days and I have hoped [it would be completed] in two days or in three days. I don’t know why we didn’t close it, but for Nasri, it will be important to play all the Champions League with us."

Arsenal go into the second leg of their tie against the Italians with a 1-0 lead. Wenger has said he could play Nasri because “what is important to us is to qualify".