Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would have no problem picking contract rebel Samir Nasri against Liverpool on Saturday and urged Gunners fans not to jeer the France international.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini remained hopeful a deal to sign the midfielder could be tied up "very quickly", with discussions between the two clubs believed to have been going on for some time.

However, Wenger maintains while the 24-year-old - who has yet to sign a new deal and could leave for nothing next summer - is still an Arsenal player, there is no reason to leave him out now he is fully fit after a bout of illness.

Nasri, though, could be in for a hostile reception from some sections of the home support, with the midfielder using his Twitter account to hit out at the "disrespectful" chants during last weekend's game at Newcastle.

Nevertheless, Wenger - who this week saw captain Cesc Fabregas sold to Barcelona - told a news conference: "One thing I don't question is the commitment of Samir Nasri to this club.

"Every day since he has arrived here, every day in pre-season, he has worked with a fantastic spirit in training."

Wenger added: "The fans will want Arsenal to play well and win the game. They do not make an individual case of each player in each position.

"They want good players and to win the football game."


Wenger maintains the views of a minority of hard-core supporters grabbing headlines should not be taken as the general stance from the stands.