Samir Nasri could become an Old Trafford great - former Manchester United defender Paul Parker hails potential signing of Arsenal star
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker believes Arsenal star Samir Nasri would be a perfect fit at Old Trafford if any deal goes through this summer.
Parker played for the Red Devils for six seasons between 1991 and 1996, winning two doubles in the process, and he believes the signing of the France international would help United to continue their tradition of success.
The ex-England right-back also reflected on Gael Clichy’s move from the Gunners to Manchester City and admitted he feels the £7 million left-back could prove to be a flop at Eastlands.
“I don't think Arsenal would consider selling him to Manchester United, but in theory he would slip into Sir Alex Ferguson's side much easier than he would Roberto Mancini's,” Parker wrote in his column for Eurosport.
“Nasri would be a more natural fit at United and would be used better by the manager - he would be the focal point of the side and Fergie loves those kind of players.
“When Eric Cantona signed he said 'When Eric wants the ball, you give it to him regardless of where he is on the pitch' and Nasri is of a similar ilk.
“I think he would relish playing for Manchester United, where he knows he could be one of the greats.
“Nasri would probably perform well at City, but unless Mancini changes his approach and abandons the use of two holding players then his impact would be limited.”
Speaking about Clichy’s move from the Emirates to Premier League rivals City, Parker was honest about his doubts over whether the move will be successful.
“To be brutally honest I have never been 100 per cent convinced by Gael Clichy as a player,” he said.
“His concentration levels are suspect and I wouldn't say that the Frenchman represents a great signing.
“Put it this way: if I was a City supporter I wouldn't be jumping up and down with glee.
“Clichy isn't the same player that he was when he first established himself in the Arsenal starting XI and had people wondering whether he would be a worthy successor to Ashley Cole.
Unconvinced | Parker believes Arsenal can afford to lose Clichy
“His form has slumped quite considerably in recent seasons – he doesn't get a lot of crosses in, his defensive side suffers due to concentration lapses and although he looks exciting because he has a good change of pace, I don't think he is a superior player to Kieran Gibbs.
“When Arsenal lost Cole to Chelsea it was a massive setback for the club; losing Clichy will have nowhere near the same impact. Though he is a popular figure, Arsenal fans will not be up in arms about his departure.
“Clichy seemed to want to leave Arsenal quickly so you suspect money has come into it, or maybe he doesn't believe that Arsenal are going to go any further.
“Either way he is joining City, but it is hard to know whether he is an upgrade on Aleksandar Kolarov.
“From an Arsenal perspective, £27m is a good price for two players who have only one year remaining on their current contracts.
“The test for the Gunners is how they spend it: will Wenger go out and buy experience or will he appease the board and put the money away for safe-keeping?
“He needs to be more worried about keeping the fans happy than the board at present and spending big money does buy you success - just look at how City ended their lengthy wait for a trophy last season.”