Gunners close in on Nasri

French ace on his way to Emirates Stadium

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 29th May 2008

Nasri Samir

Nasri: Hot property

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Arsenal look set to complete their first summer signing by securing a deal for Marseille's Samir Nasri.

The Gunners have been tracking the French international for some time and are believed to be closing in on a £13million transfer.

The 20-year-old has long been regarded as one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1 and it will come as no surprise that he is set to test himself at one of Europe's top clubs.

The youngster is seen as the rightful heir to Zinedine Zidane's crown for his country and is expected to make a major impact at this summer's European Championship.

Interested

Both Nasri and Arsenal are keen to get the formalities of the move sorted before Euro 2008 gets under way, and the player's agent has confirmed that the deal should go through in the next few days.

"Arsenal's offer has caught his interest from a sporting point of view," said Jean-Pierre Bernes.

"In his career plan it is something very interesting for him.

"But he will be leaving Marseille. It will be done in the coming days."

Paperwork

Despite the transfer seemingly set for imminent completion, Arsenal have been quick to play down suggestions that the deal is a forgone conclusion and insist that no formal announcement will be made until the necessary paperwork, including international clearance, is completed.

A club spokesperson said: "There has been no signing yet. In line with our usual policy, we will only announce when they are done."