Samir Nasri has welcomed the competition for places at Manchester City. The France international has seen the pot of creative talent topped up this summer, with Brazilian playmaker Fernandinho and Spanish winger Jesus Navas having been drafted in on big-money deals.

Nasri told City's official website during a Twitter question and answer session: "Of course I'm up to the challenge and the competition will just make us better.

"When you are a player, you have ambition and you play for this kind of competition. Of course I am ready to challenge. If not, I will be in my neighbourhood playing with my friends."