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A couple of days ago, a Belgian publication had reported that French international Samir Nasri could be on his way to the ISL to join up with the Kerala Blasters.
The Kochi-based outfit endured a sub-standard campaign in 2019-20 and represent one of the most supported clubs in India, meaning that the Frenchman could be tempted to come on board. However, Sportskeeda has learnt from its sources that the deal to bring the former Arsenal midfielder to the ISL is far from reality.
“As of now, from our end, there is no communication,” a source from the Kerala Blasters told Sportskeeda.
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Samir Nasri has endured quite a fall from grace over the past few years and currently plies his trade at Belgian club Anderlecht. At the turn of the decade, the Frenchman was considered one of the most skillful attackers in the Premier League and was a constant fixture for Arsenal, from where he moved to Manchester City.
Post his stint at the Mancunian club, Samir Nasri hasn’t managed to recreate his heroics and has become a footballing journeyman, playing for four different clubs since. In fact, the Frenchman was also banned for 18 months until January 2019 for a doping violation.
If Samir Nasri were to indeed pack his bags for the Kerala Blasters, it would represent a significant coup for the club as well as the ISL, considering the pedigree he would bring to the fore. However, it seems that such a deal is nowhere near coming to fruition, meaning that the Kerala Blasters faithful might have to wait a tad longer for their dream signing.
Kerala Blasters are looking to rebuild
A week ago, the Kochi-based outfit dispensed with Eelco Schattorie’s services and appointed Kibu Vicuna at the helm. The Spaniard arrives at the Kerala Blasters with a burgeoning reputation having won the I-League with Mohun Bagan in 2019-20.
It doesn’t seem beyond the realm of possibility that they might be in the market for newer players, but it is highly unlikely that that acquisition would be Samir Nasri.
