Nasri wants to be the new Pires

(GSM) – Samir Nasri is hoping to emulate the successes enjoyed by countryman Robert Pires at Arsenal.

The 22-year-old Frenchman, who is close to ending his second season at Emirates Stadium, is keen on producing better displays in the future with niggling knocks having hindered his progress at times.

And the playmaker believes he is more than capable of becoming a Gunners legend with wanting to replicate the achievements of former fans’ favourite Pires.

“It is very flattering for me to be compared to Robert. He has done amazingly well at this club and scored loads of goals,” Nasri told the May edition of the official Arsenal magazine.

“Often on TV, I see some of his games with Arsenal and he was a hell of a player.

“At the moment, I have not reached his degree of efficiency. Like Robert, I would like to score more and hopefully I can next season.”

Nasri has drawn comparisons with World Cup winner Pires after being deployed on the wing for much of his time under Arsene Wenger’s tutelage.

He has, however, been unleashed in the centre of the park in recent weeks, following an injury to Cesc Fabregas, and the former Marseille man is revelling in that role.

“It is the position where I have always played. I know how to play there, behind one, two or three strikers and it is where I have the most freedom,” he said.

“I can go where I want to on the pitch to lead the team.”

On being asked to play out wide on a regular basis, Nasri added: “For most of the campaign, I have played on the wing. Despite it not being my best position, I did not mind playing there.

“I learnt a lot, technically and tactically. It helped me become a better player.

“The boss has always told me that as soon as he put me back in the centre, it would be easy – and it is.

“I understand now how my wingers play and it has put me in a better position to give them the ball exactly where they want it.

“It is a good asset to my game to be able to play in various roles and positions.”