Soccer

Mancini 'out of order', says Wenger

Soccer: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacted angrily to Roberto Mancini's claim that Manchester City want to sign Samir Nasri…

Sat Jul 16 2011 - 01:00

Soccer:Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacted angrily to Roberto Mancini's claim that Manchester City want to sign Samir Nasri by "the end of the month".

Speaking at a post-match press conference following the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Hangzhou Greentown on Saturday, the Frenchman branded Mancini's comments "absolutely out of order".

"These comments are not allowed," he added. "They are against the basic rules of football and Roberto Mancini should be informed. What we want is respect - we will not comment on footballers at other clubs. It's time football in England came back within basic rules."

Asked if he felt he had been disrespected, Wenger answered: "I cannot say otherwise. This comment is absolutely out of order."

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Earlier today, Mancini told Sky Sports: "Samir is under contract with Arsenal. Also for Samir it depends on many things."

Asked if an offer has been made for Nasri, Mancini continued: "I don't know in this moment, I don't know the situation but for Nasri it is difficult. I hope that we can buy because we need other players, and I hope that this player can arrive before the end of the month."

Mancini also confirmed his interest in Sergio Aguero should his captain Carlos Tevez get his wish and move away from Eastlands. Aguero has said a move to England would be of interest to him, with Chelsea also having been linked to the 23-year-old Atletico Madrid man.

Tevez has told City he wants to leave in order to spend more time with his children, although the club are understood to want in the region of €55 million for him. Brazilian side Corinthians have had a bid of €45 million turned down for the Argentinian, and their president Andres Sanchez said Italian side Juventus had made an even bigger offer for the player.

Mancini has already given thought to the role Aguero could play at City, and told Sky Sports News: "Aguero is a player that can play for Manchester City because he is young and he is a good player like Carlos. He can score a lot of goals and can play with Mario (Balotelli), with Edin (Dzeko)... it could be (that he joins)."

Aguero has also been linked with a move to Atletico's city rivals Real Madrid, as well as Juventus.