Long touted as the 'new Zinedine Zidane' thanks to his upbringing in Marseille and Algerian heritage, Nasri earned a big-money move to Manchester City in summer 2011, having impressed at Arsenal.

Beginning his career with Marseille aged just nine years old, Nasri began to play in Ligue 1 in the 2004-05 season where he made an impression at 17. He was involved in the French national set-up at Under-16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 level and has been part of the French national team system since the age of 14, even if he failed to secure a place in the squad for the 2010 World Cup.

In the 2006-07 campaign he was named Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year ahead of Karim Benzema and 12 months later joined Arsenal for a fee in the region of £15 million. His impact was immediate as the midfielder scored on his debut against West Brom and enjoyed a productive first season in England, famously scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Manchester United in November 2008.

Though a broken leg sustained in pre-season hindered his progress at the start of the 2009-10 season, Nasri continued to display his qualities either wide in a front three, in a withdrawn central role or tucked in behind a lone striker, proving a able deputy for captain Cesc Fabregas when required.

He made a storming start to the 2010-11 campaign, but went off the boil in the final few months as the Gunners' season faded alarmingly. Nonetheless, his efforts were enough to earn him a place in the Team of the Year.

With one year remaining on his deal at Arsenal and no sign of a new one being agreed, the Gunners opted to cash in by selling him to Manchester City in August 2011.

Strengths: Nasri boasts formidable technique and his vision and his imagination make him an unpredictable opponent. His passing and movement is excellent and his versatility is a real asset.

Weaknesses: He could be more potent in front of goal and Nasri often appears reluctant to track back and help out in defence.

Career high: A quite brilliant goal against Porto in March 2010 when he cut in from the right wing, dribbled past four opponents and finished from a tight angle. The strike was named Arsenal's goal of the season.

Career low: His surprise exclusion from the France squad that travelled to the World Cup finals in 2010.

Style: Intelligent, creative, patient, a stylish playmaker.

Quotes: "It is annoying. The work we do is not getting the credit it deserves because we are not winning silverware. It is unfair because I think we have more merit as a club than those who have built their teams with millions of pounds whereas Arsenal have brought in young footballers, who have come here to play a certain kind of football and who have developed." Nasri on Arsenal's trophy drought, April 2010.

Trivia: Nasri's partner is French tennis player Tatiana Golovin.