France midfielder Samir Nasri becomes Arsene Wenger's second summer signing

Nasri, who will join up with the Gunners 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 my best for Arsenal and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such a great football club."

The 21-year-old, who was Marseille's Player of the Year in 2007, is Arsene Wenger's second summer signing after the capture of Welsh star Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff.

The Arsenal boss believes his latest acquisition has all the attributes to 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's arrival could speed midfielder Alexander Hleb's departure after the Belarus winger told Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he wanted to leave London because he can't stand the hectic lifestyle.

Barcelona, La Liga giants, 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.

Blackburn sign Fowler

Meanwhile Robbie Fowler, former Liverpool striker, is set for a return to the Premier League after Cardiff announced he is joining Blackburn Rovers.

The 33-year-old former England forward was expected to sign a new one-year deal at Cardiff but told the club he would be joining Rovers.

A statement on Cardiff's website said: "Late on Thursday Robbie informed us that he has been offered the opportunity to join Blackburn Rovers.

"We fully understand the lure of the Premier League was a major factor in his decision and we wish Robbie well in the future at his new club."

Fowler joined Cardiff last year after being released by Liverpool and scored six goals in 16 games for the Bluebirds. But he has not played since mid-December because of a hip injury that required surgery.

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