Samir Nasri is heading to Arsenal for 12 million pounds

Arsenal are on the verge of capturing Samir Nasri, the Marseille starlet who has been in terrific form.

Amongst the best young players in Ligue 1 - in the same bracket as Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa, both of whom are at Lyons - Nasri’s contract has a release clause of around 15 million euros, or 12 million pounds, and Arsène Wenger is keen to counter the anticipated loss of Alexander Hleb by signing the 20-year-old.

Nasri is also being targeted by Lyons, with a swap deal involving Ben Arfa mooted, but Arsenal are in pole position especially with Wenger’s French connection. The Marseille-born attacking midfielder is also thought to want to test himself in the Premier League having been part of the senior set-up in Ligue 1 for four years.

Like Benzema, Nasri has been compared with Zinedine Zidane. Both sons of Algerian immigrants and raised in a tough Marseille suburb, their creative talents on the field mean they have similarly commanded an instant starting place.

At the hub of a Marseille side that took third place on the last day of the season to earn a Champions League spot, his playmaking abilities came to the fore as the club recovered from a poor start to the campaign and a premature exit from Europe’s premier competition to finish behind only Lyons and Bordeaux.

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While Aston Villa are the masters of scoring from dead ball situations, Liverpool are the worst at defending them. 14 of the 20 goals conceded by Rafa Benítez’s side have derived from set-piece situations, a defensive problem that has been a recurrent worry through the season and continued at Bolton on Sunday where the visitors were lucky to concede only one. Inter Milan have taken note.

2. Aston Villa’s late goal syndrome

Martin O’Neill’s men have been active in the final few minutes of games at both ends throughout the season, though the six goals Villa have conceded in the final five minutes of their last eight matches suggests concentration is an issue. It has cost them five points and reduced their positive goal difference by five. Avoiding those lapses in defence would have seen Aston Villa in equal fourth, just two goals behind Everton on goal difference. In the whole campaign, Villa have netted seven times in the last five minutes (and on nine occasions inside the last six) and conceded a total of nine. Net cost of those 18 goals? -1 point.

3. Another goals crisis in France

It was the same situation last season, and Ligue 1 is again attracting negative headlines for its lack of entertainment. Just 13 goals were scored in the weekend’s 10 matches, and nine of those came in three games - meaning four 0-0s and two 1-0s. The lack of predatory strikers in the league is critical and its saleability is taking a knock accordingly. Vivendi’s Canal Plus and France Telecom’s Orange have recently retained the rights for the broadcast of Ligue 1, paying a massive 668 million euros a year but, crucially, Vivendi will pay 460 million euros per annum, less than the 600 million euros it has paid since 2005 and the overall value of the deal has fallen substantially. The league shan’t have much of a future on foreign television networks either at this rate.

4. Benzema; Rooney, but better

The ever-useful Opta has delivered a Champions League comparison between Wayne Rooney and his Lyon counterpart Karim Benzema (the latest and freshest new Zidane), and all the indicators point to a superstar in the making. Benzema has netted four goals to Rooney’s three (at 126.3 minutes per strike; 166.3 for Rooney), enjoys superior shooting accuracy, chance conversion, pass completion and dribble completion - and is only 20 years of age. His goal at the Stade Gerland against United, however, is the greatest evidence that the Frenchman will soon be lighting up one of the peninsula’s major clubs.

5. Mind the referee, Juve

Prior to Sunday’s defeat against Fiorentina, Juventus had blamed their three other losses this season wholly on the referee. Valid claims or otherwise, the hypocrisy of their arguments was highly amusing considering the bianconeri’s role in the Calciopoli scandal. Even more satisfying was, after the manner in which they reacted to defeat at Reggina last weekend, the lack of focus coach Claudio Ranieri and his players have demonstrated in their subsequent two matches - a home draw with mid-table Torino and then defeat to La Viola. As scientific studies have previously revealed, players waste substantial mental energy complaining to the referee and Juventus are the case in point as now they face a struggle just to finish inside the top four.

These are the words of Sam, the character played by Rob Lowe in the hit US show, the West Wing. The episode looks at decisions made by the fictional President Bartlett, and whilst being closely scrutinized in his every decision, Sam defends the President in the face of criticism, and instead argues that the President is his own man, and should be allowed to be judged on this and only this, and not, on comparisons to former Presidents.

I recently read an article in a top European football magazine that claimed Karim Benzema, the young Lyons forward, is the ‘next Zidane’. Throughout the years, and those who follow European and world football closely will no doubt know, comparisons between footballers of the present with those of the past should be taken with a pinch of salt.

There is no doubt, based on the last three years, that Benzema is a potentially world class player. Just before Christmas last year, he had scored 11 goals in 11 games. His characteristics are reminiscent of Henry, Trézéguet and Anelka in one. The pace and class of Henry, the strength in the air of Trézéguet, and the finishing and off the ball movement of Anelka. These are Benzema’s current characteristics. So why is he touted as the next Zinedine Zidane?

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Lyons have been in dispute with Fred from last summer onwards yet were keen to retain the talented striker despite his unremitting appeals to exit the French powerhouse. Fred’s attitude has constantly been called into question and after he arrived eight days late from the winter break - more than a week after his team-mates had returned - Lyons president Jean-Michel Aulas said, “If he wants to leave, he can do so.”

Fred has played only 366 minutes of first-team football this season and cost Lyons 16 million euros less than three years ago, but his departure is imminent following accepted bids from three clubs.

Aulas has stated his desire to see Fred go to Paris Saint-Germain, “As vice-president of the Ligue de Football Professionnel, and for the value of television rights, I would prefer Fred to stay in France. That’s the reason we’re ready to do what we can to help him secure a move to PSG.” Their 10 million euros bid was accepted but Portsmouth and Tottenham each came in with offers, 12 million euros from the former and 15 millions euros from the North London outfit; sums his current employer could not afford to turn down.

Lyons now say it is up to the player to make up his mind, and Fred may well wait for further offers now that the asking price has been set. Interest from other Premier League clubs has been rife, including inquiries from Middlesbrough, Manchester City and West Ham, and the latter two may return with bids with the fee well within their budgets. A move to Spain is also in the offing, though only lowly Real Betis have declared an interest and they lie inside the bottom three.

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Speculation is mounting in the south of France that former Chelsea coach, José Mourinho, is in line to take over at Olympique de Marseille.

After a poor start to the season, which has seen l’OM pick up only seven points from a possible 27, coach Albert Emon’s job is said to be seriously under threat.  His side were outclassed by Auxerre on Saturday evening, losing 2-0, a defeat which left them a lowly 16th in the table.

The form of Emon’s side is causing significant unrest amongst the best-supported club in the league, with fans’ groups calling for a change which could help lift their team out of their current slump.

And now, supporters at the Stade Vélodrome are looking to their chairman, Pape Diouf, and owner Robert Louis-Dreyfus to dig deep to secure the talents of Mourinho and his backroom staff.

Ligue 1 is also crying out for a serious challenger to six-time champions Olympique Lyonnais.  Whilst the early form of Nancy and Valenciennes has been impressive, they are not expected to continue to sustain a serious title challenge.

Should Mourinho chose to take over at Marseille, he would inherit a side not lacking in ability or quality, but lacking a cutting edge, though they showed glimpses of it in Europe against Besiktas in their midweek Champions League match.  Familiar faces in the Marseille squad include former Liverpool players Djibril Cisse and Boudewijn Zenden.

L’OM finished second in Ligue 1 last season and are in Liverpool’s Champions League group. Could Mourinho be making a footballing return trip to these shores quicker than expected?

Could Mourinho end up at Marseille? Share your views by leaving a comment below.

The result now leaves a question mark over the future of coach Albert Emon, having guided his team to only one victory in Ligue 1 this season in nine attempts.

It’s fair to say Marseille didn’t exactly turn up in the right frame of mind, forced to wear Auxerre’s change kit (pictured) following the misinformed decision to bring only their home kits which, like Auxerre’s, are also blue and white. And their chances weren’t helped further as AJA raced into a two goal lead, courtesy of Daniel Niculae, which the visitors failed to recover from.

Djibril Cisse had countless chances in the second period, but he was constantly frustrated by the heroics of goalkeeper Olivier Sorin, as well as his own poor finishing. The result leaves Marseille in 16th position, just three points off the bottom.

At the top of the table, Nancy got back on track and remain top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 home win against Lorient. They took their time though, Youssef Hadji producing two goals in the last ten minutes to secure a slim, but promising lead at the summit.

Following hot on their heels are Bordeaux, courtesy of a fine 2-0 away win at Paris SG. Paul Le Guen’s side have failed to turn Parc des Princes into anything like a fortress this season, and goals from Johan Micoud and former Manchester United striker David Bellion banished any fears the away side had of post-Uefa Cup fatigue.

Also at the top, Lyons were held at home on Sunday by Lille. Lille in fact took the lead early on courtesy of a thunderbolt from the left boot of Michel Bastos. Lyons took their time to press the game, but found their equaliser early in the second half when Sidney Govou rounded the grounded Tafforeau to tap home to make it 1-1. Lyons thought they had taken all three points in the last minute, but Milan Baros’ was deemed to have used a hand to guide the ball into the net, and was shown a yellow card for his troubles.

That result left the champions fourth in the table, giving Valenciennes the chance to keep up their impressive start to the season after a comfortable 1-0 win over Monaco. Johan Audel found the net with a wicked looping header from the edge of the area, which nestled into the top corner despite the best efforts of Flavio Roma in goal. For the principality side, it’s a third consecutive defeat, and their confidence will be dented going into a potential banana skin of a tie in the League Cup on Thursday away to recently relegated Nantes.

Elsewhere, at the bottom Sochaux pulled themselves out of the drop zone with their first win of the season at Rennes. Stéphane Dalmat and Mickael Isabey scored either side of half-time to give the French Cup winners a much needed boost.

Also at the bottom, Metz prevailed in the dogfight away at Caen. The home side took the lead, Yoan Gouffran shooting across ‘keeper Christophe Marichez with nine minutes on the clock. Last year’s Ligue 2 champions fought their way back into contention when Senegalese striker Momar N’Diaye tapped home before half-time, and Daniel Gygax hit the winner with half an hour left on the clock. The result leaves Caen bottom, whilst Metz now climb above them into 19th.

In the three other games, Nice brushed aside St Etienne 3-0 thanks to a double from Bakari Kone and a late goal from David Hellebuyk. Le Mans moved up to fifth with a 1-0 away victory at Strasbourg, Ndri Romaric with the only legitimate goal of the evening, although the home side can feel aggrieved that James Fanchone had a late ‘equaliser’ ruled out for a foul.

And finally, Toulouse and Lens played out a 1-1 draw at the Stade Municipal Toulouse. The draw continues Lens’ renaissance under new manager Jean Pierre Papin, who earned a credible result after playing the majority of the second half with 10 men following midfielder Kader Mangane’s red card. The goals came from Toulouse’s Bryan Bergougnoux and Olivier Monterrubio of Lens, both in the first half.

If you want to know more about Ligue 1 or French Football, send in your questions to mail@footballingworld.com. Grant will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

It’s tight at the top after eight rounds, with league leaders Nancy sitting on 16 points. Seventh placed side Le Mans for example, sit only three behind on 13. The top two of Nancy and reigning champions Lyons have the luxury of a game in hand, and both are at home this weekend.

Leaders Nancy are looking to continue their 100% home record as they take on eighth placed Lorient on Saturday. The visitors however are unbeaten on the road so far this term, but have only registered one win. Lorient also have failed to win in their last four games since they temporarily topped the table after an impressive 2-1 home win against Lyons. At home though, expect Nancy to score goals from anywhere on the park. Strikers Marc Fortune and Kim have weighed in with three goals each, but six other players have also contributed to the thirteen goals bagged in eight games. Lorient’s main threat lies in forward Rafik Saifi, who has four strikes to his name this campaign.

Saturday’s live game sees Marseille, fresh from a home win in the Champions League against Besiktas, travel to Auxerre. Both sides are struggling in Ligue 1, the home side in 16th, and the visitors only one place and one point higher. At home, Auxerre have won two and lost two, and with Marseille buoyed by their midweek victory, it’s likely l’OM will emerge with a much needed win.

An intriguing tie is that of Saturday’s Toulouse v Lens fixture, with both sets of players likely to be suffering from the exertions of their respective Uefa cup matches. Toulouse face the prospect of two games in 48 hours, having endured a frustrating evening in a 0-0 home draw against CSKA Sofia. Lens on the other hand had the luxury of an extra days rest having played their home game with FC Copenhagen on Wednesday, a match which ended 1-1.

Alain Perrin’s side are chasing their seventh straight league title and have the incentive of potentially topping the table come the end of the weekend with a victory

Elsewhere, surprise package Valenciennes take on Monaco. Valenciennes have won three out of four at home so far, whereas the principality side, defeated at home against Paris SG last round, are unpredictable on the road. Many are questioning if the home side can keep up their impressive early season form, which has them into fifth place and only two points off the top. Monaco, though, are only a point behind and should be looking to win a game like this if they are serious about their European qualification ambitions.

Mid-table games involve Nice taking on St Etienne and Strasbourg versus Le Mans. A win for any of these teams could lift them close to the top given how tight it all is just now. Nice are unbeaten at home in four, whilst St Etienne have only scored once and picked up one point on their travels. Strasbourg’s game against Le Mans is a far tougher game to call; both are looking for a win that would propel them up the table. Racing are unbeaten at home, and Le Mans only returned to winning ways last weekend after a three match losing run.

Finally, at the bottom, two of the promoted sides will battle it out to try to claw their way out of the bottom three. Eighteenth-placed Caen entertain bottom club Metz at the Stade Michel D Ornano in what is already looking like a vitally important game for both. Caen haven’t won since the opening day of the season – a home win over Nice – and Metz are yet to record an away goal. It has 0-0 written all over it, but with so much at stake already, neither team is likely to sit in for a point.

On Sunday, Lyons will be looking to bounce back from their crushing defeat at Barcelona in the Champions League. They take on a Lille side who have drawn six of their eight games, but who are also unbeaten on the road. Alain Perrin’s side, however, are chasing their seventh straight league title and have the incentive of potentially topping the table come the end of the weekend with a victory. With eight goals so far, look to Karim Benzema to be amongst the goals for OL.

Unbeaten in five, Paul Le Guen’s Paris SG side will try to pick up their first home win of the season against Bordeaux, who are likely to still feel the effects of their late show in the Uefa cup against Tampere United on Thursday night. Bordeaux haven’t lost on the road but Paris will look to prevail after an indifferent start. They will be looking to their strikers to sharpen up, with defender Sylvian Armand joint top scorer at the club on just two goals.

And on Sunday night, Rennes and Sochaux play having been involved in the Uefa Cup in midweek. Sochaux succumbed to an embarrassing 2-0 home defeat against Greek side Panionios, while Rennes in contrast picked up a valuable three away goals at Locomotiv Sofia. In Ligue 1, Rennes sit fourth and one point off the leaders, whereas Sochaux are 19th and winless, still struggling after Perrin’s departure. Can they put an end to their relegation form at the Route de Lorient?

If you want to know more about Ligue 1 or French Football, send in your questions to mail@footballingworld.com. Grant will be happy to answer any questions you may have.