Wenger said he selected Nasri to play because the midfielder "loves this club"
Samir Nasri's £23m move to Manchester City is still alive - despite a hold-up that saw him play in Arsenal's home defeat against Liverpool on Saturday.
Nasri's surprise appearance came as reports in France claimed the transfer had broken down and the midfielder was now set to stay at Emirates Stadium for the rest of the season.It is believed the framework of a deal is in place between City and Arsenal as well as Nasri but financial details remain to be ironed out before the switch can be finalised.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger selected Nasri, 24, as the Gunners lost 2-0 to Liverpool, where his lively performance was well-received by the fans.
Afterwards, Wenger admitted he had not decided whether to pick him in Wednesday's Champions League qualifier second leg against Udinese in Italy.
NASRI - CAREER STATS
- Born: 26 June 1987, Marseille
- Height: 5ft 10in
- Position: Attacking midfield
- Marseille: 145 apps, 11 goals
- Arsenal: 125 apps, 27 goals
- France: 24 apps, 2 goals
Mancini said ahead of Sunday's game against Bolton that he hoped the move could be concluded "very quickly" but the hold up meant Nasri was drafted into a depleted Arsenal side against Liverpool.
Nasri's future was cast into doubt when negotiations about a new contract, understood to be worth £90,000-a-week failed to reach a successful. His current deal runs out at the end of this season.
Manchester United indicated their willingness to pay £20m for Nasri earlier this summer as Arsenal faced the prospect of losing him on a free transfer, but neighbours City soon emerged as favourites to clinch a deal.
Emmanuel Adebayor, meanwhile, is still on course to complete his loan move from City to Tottenham before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
Dialogue continues between the two clubs about the structure of the deal, but it is fully expected to go through.
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