Frenchman Nasri completes Arsenal move

(CNN) -- Arsenal have completed the signing of French international midfielder Samir Nasri from Marseille for a reported fee of nearly $24 million.

Nasri, 21, made two appearances for his country in their failed Euro 2008 campaign, announcing after the tournament that he was to join the Premier League side.

But negotiations have only now been completed and he will join the rest of the Arsenal squad for their pre-season tour of Austria on July 21.

"I am very happy to become an Arsenal player, it means such a lot to me," he told the Press Association. "This is a very important step in my life as a football player because Arsenal is a massive club."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that Nasri had "great potential" and could now allow unsettled Belarus international Alexander Hleb to leave the Emirates Stadium.

"He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player," said Wenger, who also signed Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey earlier in the summer.

Nasri will join a large French contingent at Arsenal which already include captain William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna.

Wenger, who is renowned for his ability to spot talented young players, will now be hoping to resolve the future of star striker Emmanuel Adebayor ahead of the new Premier League season and Champions League qualifying matches. Togo international Adebayor has been linked with AC Milan and Barcelona.