Arsenal have completed the signing of Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old, who made two appearances as a substitute for France during Euro 2008, has signed a "long-term" contract with the Gunners.
He said: "This is a very important step in my life as a footballer because Arsenal is a massive club."
Manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website: "He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player."
Although no details of the fee were announced by the Gunners, Nasri is reported to have cost £12m.
"He has shown great potential with his performances for Marseille and the French national team"He can play on either wing or through the centre and won the French First Division's Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2006/2007 campaign, as well as being voted Marseille's Player of the Year by supporters.
He added: "Arsene has a great reputation and he is one of the best managers in the world. He has proved that he puts a lot of confidence in the young players and he gives them a chance.
"It was very important for me to have such a great manager to work with and I'm really looking forward to working with both Arsene Wenger and all my new team-mates.
"I can play in the centre or on the wing. During my career, I have played behind one or two strikers or on the left, or the right hand side."
Last season he scored six goals in 30 games for the French outfit, his final strike in a 4-3 win over Strasbourg helping secure their place in next season's Champions League.
Nasri appeared at various youth international levels for France before winning the first of seven senior caps in 2007.
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And he could fill the gap created if Alexander Hleb, whose future remains uncertain after he held talks over a possible move to Barcelona, leaves the club.
Wenger has already lost midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who joined AC Milan on a free transfer, while striker Emmanuel Adebayor remains a target for the Italian giants.
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