LONDON (AFP) - English Premier League side Arsenal on Friday completed the signing of French international midfielder Samir Nasri from Marseille.

The 21-year-old arrives on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around 12 million pounds (23.7 million dollars).

Nasri, who will join up with the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour of Austria on July 21, said: "I am very happy to become an Arsenal player, it means such a lot to me.

"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 will do my best for Arsenal and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such a great football club."

Nasri - who had a frustrating time during the Euro 2008 championships playing a largely bit part role - is confident he will prove a perfect fit for Arsenal's fluent style of play.

"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 the fans.

"I can play in the centre or on the wing, behind one or two strikers, on the left or the right.

"Last season I found the Arsenal way of playing football amazing. Unfortunately, the team just missed out on winning a trophy, but, 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."

Nasri, who was Marseille's Player of the Year in 2007, is Arsene Wenger's second close-season capture after the signing of Welsh starlet Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff.

He is the kind of precocious talent Wenger has made a habit of turning into a global star and the Gunners boss believes his latest acquisition will make an instant impact at the Emirates Stadium.

"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," Wenger said.

"He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player."

Nasri certainly believes Wenger will help him follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Nicolas Anelka, three Frenchmen who flourished under Wenger.

"Arsene has a great reputation and has proved that he puts a lot of confidence in the young players and he gives them a chance," he said.

"It was very important for me to have such a great manager to work with."

Nasri's arrival could speed Alexander Hleb's departure after the Belarus winger told Wenger that he wanted to leave London because he can't stand the hectic lifestyle.

Barcelona are leading the chase for Hleb, who may not be the only player heading for the Emirates exit door.

Wenger is resigned to losing Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva to Greek club Panathinaikos and has a fight on his hands to persuade Emmanuel Adebayor to snub AC Milan's advances.