Wenger must wait to sign Nasri, who he believes can make a major impact

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may have to wait before completing the signing of Samir Nasri

It was understood the midfielder, who can play down the centre or on the wing,
had been due in England for a medical at the weekend and to put the finishing
touches to a £12million, four-year deal.

However, Gunners boss Wenger has indicated the formal completion of the
transfer may now not happen until after the showpiece tournament in Austria and
Switzerland, where France face World Cup winners Italy, Holland and Romania in
the so-called 'Group of Death'.

Wenger, though, is in no doubt the capture of Nasri would prove another sound
investment for the future.

"At 21 years old his whole future is ahead of him and he has (quite) a margin
for progressing further," Wenger told French newspaper La Provence.

"He has, in any case, the qualities needed to assert himself at the highest
level."

Wenger had made it clear he continues to have great faith in his current young
squad, yet admitting they would benefit from the addition of some experienced
"super-talent".

However, after seeing Mathieu Flamini walked out of Emirates Stadium to join AC
Milan on a free transfer, the Arsenal boss is determined not to lose any more
men ahead of pre-season training.

Reports, though, continued to link Alexander Hleb with a move to Barcelona,
despite the Belarus international now playing down suggestions he was ready to
quit the Gunners.

Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa is another said to be on Wenger's summer shopping
list, as well as Hamburg midfielder Piotr Trochowski, Zenit St Petersburg's
Andrei Arshavin and Valencia forward David Villa.

Arsenal have not missed out on promising Wales youngster Aaron Ramsey as
Cardiff have admitted allowing two Premier League clubs, including Manchester
United, to talk to the player. However, United remain favourites to sign him.

Sevilla's new £5million signing Lautaro Acosta claims he rejected the chance to
join the Gunners from Argentinian club Atletico Lanus.

Nevertheless, confidence is high the Gunners will again provide a sustained
challenge for both domestic and European honours next season having swept to the
top of the Barclays Premier League only to fade over the closing weeks.

Assistant manager Pat Rice is in no doubt the players will return stronger for
their experiences.

"If you go back to the close season, the so-called pundits were writing us
off, that we would be lucky if we finish in the top eight. That goes to show you
just how good the side is," Rice told the club's official website,
www.Arsenal.com.

"I believe that the experience and the disappointments we endured throughout
last season will make sure we come back even stronger and even more
committed."

Rice - whose playing career at Arsenal spanned three decades and 528
appearances - maintains speculation he was set to leave the club were "a
complete lie".

"As far as I am concerned, my role this summer is no different to how it has
been since Arsene came here in 1996," said the 59-year-old former Northern
Ireland defender, who won the Double with Arsenal in 1971.

"Until he tells me something different, I will still be in my normal role as
his assistant and we will be looking forward to doing pre-season as per
normal."

Meanwhile, Fulham have announced managing director David McNally is to leave
the club, and will cease "all his duties and responsibilities with immediate
effect".

McNally - who helped Harrods supremo Mohamed Fayed take charge of the west
London club in 1997 as well as playing an influential role in securing the
services of manager Roy Hodgson who masterminded a remarkable escape from
relegation last season - has been linked with the managing director role at
Arsenal, which became vacant following the shock departure of Keith Edelman
during May.