Although the transfer deadline is not until the end of the month, the next three days could prove to be decisive if Mancini is to land his man.

Nasri played for the Gunners in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday and, if he was to do the same when Arsenal face Udinese in their crucial Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, he would be unable to play for City in the group stages of the competition.

Mancini admitted that could force him to look at other options and expressed his frustration that the situation has dragged on for so long.

"For 40 days I've hoped in two days, three days (it would be done), I don't know why we haven't closed it," said the Italian.

"It's a big problem (if he plays for Arsenal against Udinese) but I'm sure we can close in 24 hours, maybe 48. For Nasri it will be important he can play in all the Champions League matches."

City showed why they are expected to be Premier League title challengers with an impressive display to beat Bolton 3-2 at the Reebok Stadium yesterday, climbing to the top of the fledgling table in the process.

Goals from David Silva, Gareth Barry and Edin Dzeko were the least City deserved, but Ivan Klasnic and Kevin Davies kept Wanderers in contention until the end.

Carlos Tevez was a second-half substitute for City, making his first appearance of the campaign after a close season in which he made clear his desire to leave the club to be nearer to his family in South America.

A proposed switch to Corinthians fell through and Mancini does not expect Tevez to leave before the end of August.

He said: "Carlos is here, I don't think the situation will change. Carlos is an important player, a top player for us and at the moment we haven't received any offers for him."

The City boss, meanwhile, dismissed the possibility of fringe players like Emmanuel Adebayor and Craig Bellamy leaving on free transfers to get them off the wage bill.

He added: "All of these players have a cost because they are good players. If there are teams that want to buy them they need to pay, like us. I don't understand why we pay a lot of money and other teams don't."

Bolton boss Owen Coyle was left to rue defensive mistakes by his side, not least Jussi Jaaskelainen's error in allowing Silva's opener to bounce past him.

The Scot said: "You have to give credit where credit's due and the way they can pass and move the ball we're all aware of because of the quality they have.

"But my disappointment is we probably gifted them one or two of the goals. And if top clubs are going to beat you then let them go and earn it."