Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied that Samir Nasri will fill the gap to be left by Alex Song when the Cameroon International will be involved in the African Cup of Nations.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Frenchman said:

No, [he is not a replacement]. I do not say that he could not, Samir is very tactically astute, but he is attracted forwards. He loves the offensive game.

We have Denilson who can fill that role. He is more suited than Samir at the moment. Samir is more a player who has pace, is versatile around the box and can finish. It would be a sacrifice to put him down there. Also he has a little handicap in the air.

He likes [that defensive role] and certainly, technically and tactically, he can do it but I believe he can be more efficient up front.