A-League new boys need FFA help to secure Nasri

Ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri has emerged as the No 1 marquee target for A-League expansion club.

Samir Nasri in action for Manchester City during a match on the Gold Coast against Melbourne City in 2015. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Samir Nasri has emerged as the No 1 marquee target of Melbourne’s A-League expansion club Western United.

United coach Mark Rudan and football chiefs are intent on adding a big-name marquee to their inaugural squad, alongside former Greece international Panagiotis Kone.

Nasri, who played for Premier League club West Ham last season, is subject to a host of overseas offers but is understood to be keen on moving to Australia.

The Marseilles youth product is said to have impressed Western United chiefs with his knowledge of the A-League.

However, Western United will be unable to get the deal over the line without Football Federation Australia dipping into its marquee kitty, which helped lure Keisuke Honda to Melbourne Victory last season. Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery was the most recent player targeted, but it’s believed that like former AC Milan attacker Alexandre Pato, he was well beyond their budget.

Nasri’s demands appear more realistic, although it will still take an offer of more than $4 million to land the former France international, who is open to a fresh challenge amid interest from Crystal Palace.

The versatile attacker has been a polarising figure throughout his illustrious career.

Nasri, 31, appears to have plenty to offer on the field and featured six times for West Ham in 2019 after returning from a doping ban.

He would undoubtedly be one of the highest profile marquee players to sign in the A-League, a list which includes Alessandro Del Piero, Juninho, Dwight Yorke, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Honda.

Herald Sun