Arsenal internationals 'close to leaving' club

Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh has revealed both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are 'close to leaving' the club.

The Gunners have been searching for attackers in the transfer market, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joining Gervinho at the Emirates earlier this week, but Chamakh insists Arsene Wenger has not found the right replacements that would then allow the pair to leave the club.

“I think both are close to leaving. The manager is looking for replacements, has not found them, and before letting [Fabregas and Nasri] go, he wants to have someone to fill each of their positions,” said the Moroccan international.

“Nasri has just one year left on his contract. If they do not sell him, he will leave for free in the summer.

"Is the club disposed to reject 18 million pounds to keep a player that good for just one year? It is strange that a club like Arsenal has not made him sign a contract earlier.”

Both Manchester clubs are thought to be keen on a move for the French international, whilst Barcelona continue to court the Arsenal skipper and have had three offers rejected for the Spaniard.


 

The rise of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere at the Emirates means Arsenal have potential cover for Fabregas, although Wenger has been clear over his desire to keep the player, who the North Londoners are believed to value at around £40 million.

Either way, the comments are unlikely to be received well by the French boss, with Arsenal only three days away from their season-opener against Newcastle at St. James' Park.