Nasri pips Malouda for top French footballer award

The 23-year-old midfielder has been in majestic form this season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions while helping the Gunners mount a considerable title charge and reach the semi-final of the Carling Cup.

The award for Nasri comes at the end of a year in which the former Marseille man was not selected by Raymond Domenech to represent Les Bleus at the World Cup in South Africa. Nevertheless, restored to the national set-up by new boss Laurent Blanc and given the responsibility of filling in for Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates the tricky playmaker has flourished.

Nasri pips fellow London-based star Florent Malouda to the award, with Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris finishing third.