Barca progress with Hleb

Hleb: Nou signing?

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• Samir Nasri
• Alexander Hleb

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Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb claims 'serious negotiations' are underway with Barcelona and the transfer is close to being complete by next week.

The unsettled 27-year-old has already said he is "mentally tired" of London life, and with the latest arrival in the shape of hot prospect Samir Nasri, Belarusian Hleb claims negotiations at Camp Nou are well underway.

The proposed £13million offer of the midfielder is one of many stars tipped to fly the Emirates nest, after Emmanuel Adebayor was high on both Barca and AC Milan's transfer target list.

And with the captures of both Frenchman Nasri, and former Cardiff City youngster Aaron Ramsey, boss Arsene Wenger could be ready to let Hleb go.

Faith

Meanwhile 21-year-old Nasri cannot wait to put on a Gunners shirt and wants to repay Wenger's faith in him.

"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," the French international said.

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

Nasri - who has joined the Gunners on what is described as a 'long-term contract' for an undisclosed fee, understood to be around £12million, from Marseille - feels he has all the qualities to fit right in with the culture of "amazing football" at Emirates Stadium.

"I like offensive, technical and quick football - exactly in the style of Arsenal," he said.

Amazing

"I hope I will integrate myself quickly in this team and bring everything I can to Arsenal and the fans.

"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," he added.