Arsene Wenger is in no doubt midfielder Samir Nasri will make a
'quality' addition to the Arsenal squad.
The Gunners finally completed what has been a protracted transfer
of the 21-year-old from Marseille on a long-term contract for an
undisclosed fee.
Wenger - who could now allow unsettled Belorussian winger Alexander
Hleb to leave - feels the youngster has a 'great potential' which
can be fulfilled at Emirates Stadium.
'He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player,' said
Wenger, who also signed Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey earlier in the
summer.
'Samir has shown great potential with his performances for
Marseille and the French national team over the past two seasons
and he will add great quality to our squad.'
Nasri made two appearances for France at Euro 2008 and had
announced last month, somewhat prematurely, that the deal had been
completed.
However, with all the relevant documents now processed, and the fee
reported to be in the region of £12million, Wenger can look forward
to shaping his team ahead of the new season which kicks off on
August 12/13 with a Champions League qualifier.
The midfielder will join up with the rest of the Arsenal squad on
their pre-season tour of Austria on July 21.
He said: 'This is a very important step in my life as a football
player because Arsenal is a massive club.
'I really hope everything will go well for me here. I do will my
best for Arsenal and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such
a great football club.'
As well as resolving Hleb's situation, Wenger will also want the
future of leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, a £30million target for
AC Milan and Barcelona, to be confirmed before the Gunners start
their pre-season schedule.
Nasri revealed Wenger's reputation for developing talent had played
a major part in his decision to join the Gunners.
'The fact that Arsene Wenger gives great opportunities to young
players is very important for me,' Nasri said in a statement.
'Arsene has a great reputation and he is one of the best managers
in the world. He has proved that he puts a lot of confidence in the
young players and he gives them a chance.
'It was very important for me to have such a great manager to work
with and I'm really looking forward to working with both Arsene
Wenger and all my new team mates.'
Nasri will join a large French contingent at the Emirates, which
already included captain William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby
and Bacary Sagna.
Former Gunners Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira had also given the
youngster some advice.
'They both had amazing times at this club and even talking to them
now, they are still very enthusiastic about Arsenal,' Nasri
said.
'They both told me that it was the best choice for me to come to
Arsenal.'
Nasri is looking forward to experiencing a new culture in
England.
He said: 'When I was with Marseille, I was still the little boy,
staying with my mum and dad, and today it's a great moment for me
to join Arsenal.
'It will be a little weird because I will have to get used to a new
life, but I'm grown up now and I am ready to cope with this
change.'
The 21-year-old, though, is in no doubt he can have a major
impact.
'I like offensive, technical and quick football, exactly in the
style of Arsenal,' he said.
'I hope I will integrate myself quickly in this team and bring
everything I can to Arsenal and its fans.
'I can play in the centre or on the wing. During my career, I have
played behind one or two strikers or on the left, or the right hand
side.'
Nasri added: 'Last season unfortunately, the team just missed out
on winning a trophy, but with regards to football, in my opinion
Arsenal produced the best football in Europe.
'I was a big fan of the team and of its football philosophy, which
makes it so great for me to be joining the club.'