I don't think it's about the money for Cesc, but his heart does seem set on Barca and we've known it for a few years really. You're right though, that Barca need to pay what he's worth to us and that is no less than £40m The Nasri stories are largely guff, other than Utd sniffing around. The only thing Nasri has actually said is that he'll sort his contract out in the summer and that people shouldn't believe the speculation. I don't think he is going anywhere. Whatever happens, we still need to add two or three solid signings.
As I have already said piskie I have much less faith in him than you. I can't see him signing a new contract (unless we give him loads of money) even if he stays.
I guess we'll have to wait and see I think he's too important to lose, especially if Cesc goes. There are at least 2-3 other clubs who will offer him CL football and a better contract, so imo - we have to at least match that.
What I'd like, is Wenger to come out strong and say of Fabregas "Barcelona know our price. We will not move on this. Fabregas is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world, and it would be with heavy hearts that allow him to leave. A fathers love for a son is the strongest love. If you love him, if he truely is your son, then take him home." Then watch the Spanish press go mad. We don't know the situation. Nasri may have already decided to leave. He may have already told Wenger of this. I don't want both of them to leave, but I don't think that Nasri can fill Cesc's role. I'd accept both leaving if Benzema, Mata & Gervinho came in (plus a LB & DM (unless Frimpong or Coquelin are deemed good enough)). 3 good-quality players that will give the team more strength in depth than it has at present.
Mata is a winger, Nasri is best playing CM. Wouldn't it be better to have Mata play alongside Nasri ?
Fair comment but if Nasri is adamant he wants out, should we try to keep him anyway? Assuming Fabregas, Nasri, Bendtner, Denilson all leave and perhaps Arshavin too, I believe we would have a reasonable war chest with which to go shopping, especially if the board adds to the kitty too. I would have thought we would have sufficient funds to source a decent CM and some cover in defence too. While we will have gaps to plug with the possible joint exit of Fabregas and Nasri, I believe we should not overlook beefing up the defence and implement some form of effective strategy in this area. A solid back line would save us more than an armful of points as can be seen from the final two months of the previous season. Just my 2c you understand. I'm more a watcher and cheerer than a planner
Nasri gives us nothing apart from good ball retention when playing at CM in my opinion. Would be great to have them along side each other but I can't see it happening unless Mata is a replacement for Cesc.
