FOOTBALL CLUB WORLD

I know the majority of transfer stories at this time of the year are utter nonsense, but this is more a general question to Arsenal fans regarding the future of their team.

We all know the Cesc Fabregas to Barca rumours have been boring the hell out of us for a few years now but the latest story doing the rounds is regarding Samir Nasri's new contract. If you missed it, here are the quotes from the BBC:

BBC Sport - Samir Nasri unsure over Arsenal future

Samir Nasri has cast more doubt over his Arsenal future by admitting he may not sign a new contract.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who is entering the final year of his current deal, has also refused to rule out a move to Manchester United.

Speaking to French sports programme Telefoot, Nasri said: "I don't know if I will sign a new contract, the discussions are ongoing.

"Do I want to go to United? First, we should see if it's real and concrete."

These quotes could very well be bollocks but they did get me thinking. Who is more important to Arsenal? If they could only keep one would Gunners fans rather it be captain Fabregas, or Nasri, the best player in the league for the first half of last season? This question came to mind because I was asked over the weekend whether I would rather keep Gareth Bale or Luka Modric.

Personally I would rather keep Modric because I feel he is more important to how the team plays, Bale is injury prone and I believe we could get a vastly inflated transfer fee for him (because of his Champions League performances) that would help replace him. I also made it clear to the questioner that it would be vital to avoid strengthening Premier League rivals so any sale MUST be to a foreign club; definitely no Bale to City or Modric to United.

Nasri v Fabregas is a similar scenario and if I was an Arsenal fan (yuk!) I think I would rather keep Nasri for similar reasons. As an outsider looking in he now appears as important (if not more-so) than the injury-prone Fabregas and the Spaniard would also bring in a much larger (inflated) transfer fee from Barca to help replace him. Again, definitely no Fabregas to City or Nasri to United.

Obviously in a fan's ideal world their club sells neither and instead get rid of Jenas & Bentley/Denilson & Bendtner, but unfortunately we don't live in that world. Both North-London clubs underachieved last season so it is possible they lose a big name this summer.

I'd be interested to hear your opinions on this.

Cheers,
AM