Skip to content
Exclusive

Samir Nasri would give West Ham 'something different', says Carlton Cole

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Samir Nasri is a ‘classy player’ who would give West Ham ‘something different’ if the club decide to offer him a contract, says former striker Carlton Cole

Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole says Samir Nasri is a "classy player" who would "bring something different" to the club.

Sky sources understand ex-Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder Nasri is currently training with the Hammers as he attempts to win a six-month, £80,000-per-week contract after 18 months out of the game.

The 31-year-old former France international was banned from football for breaching World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules in 2016 but is free play again from January 1 and underwent a medical in London last week.

Image: Samir Nasri helped Manchester City to a league and cup double in 2014

Nasri played under current West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini at City, where the pair won the Premier League and Carabao Cup double in the 2013/14 season, and Cole believes the Hammers should give him a chance.

"I think the manager has a good relationship with him," Cole told Sky Sports. "We know his class, he's a classy player.

"He will bring something different to the squad and he has that experience too.

"It will be a great addition to the squad but it depends what the manager wants and what the owners want."

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole has praised the impact of Manuel Pellegrini

Nasri's potential arrival could coincide with a player leaving in the opposite direction as star forward Marko Arnautovic hinted on Wednesday that he may be ready to quit in order to chase his dream of playing Champions League football.

Former Hammers Jack Collison and Hayden Mullins said on Sunday that the club must do whatever they can to keep Arnautovic and build their team around him, something Cole agreed with.

Marko Arnautovic celebrates putting West Ham ahead against Burnley
Image: Marko Arnautovic has hinted he may look to leave West Ham

"Do you know what, he's happy at this club," Cole added. "I don't think he's looking actively to go and leave. He's loved here.

"I don't see any reason why he should be leaving the club. Everyone knows what he's capable of here and I think we'll see him stay.

"If he does go, it will be a great loss to West Ham, but we always find a way to carry on. We always do.

"I don't want him to leave. I don't think the club will let him leave, because he's our main player."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights from West Ham's 1-1 draw with Huddersfield in the Premier League

West Ham return to Premier League action after the international break when they host Pep Guardiola's City on Saturday.

The Hammers made a slow start to the season but have steadily improved and now find themselves 13th on 12 points after their opening 12 games and Cole believes Pellegrini has done a "great job" since taking over in the summer.

Manuel Pellegrini gestures on the touchline at Anfield
Image: Manuel Pellegrini has led West Ham to 13th in the Premier League table

"You've got to understand, he's come in, he's had a hard job already," Cole said. "We didn't start too well but you've got to put that down to the players gelling.

"We've had a load of new players come in and as we saw with Everton it didn't bode well for them [last season].

"They were struggling when they brought their players in, Sam Allardyce went over to steady the ship, it was a little bit like that.

"When you bring a load of players in, to get them gelling together all of a sudden is a big task. I think the manager has done a great job so far and we are going places."

Cole was speaking at the first ever West Ham United eSports Cup, powered by Basset & Gold final.

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.

Around Sky