Nasri is a 'quality' purchase, says Wenger as Samir finally signs

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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.