Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has reportedly been arrested in France as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering activities.
The 39-year-old former France international was taken into police custody in Paris on Thursday and questioned for about 10 hours before being released without charge, according to reports from French newspaper Le Parisien.
This was reportedly the second time Nasri had been questioned over the matter, after he was first interviewed by authorities in Marseille in late June.
French investigators are examining allegations linked to a wider organised crime probe involving suspected drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Nasri questioned over nightclub investment linked to investigation
The investigation reportedly focuses on Karim Berrebouh, a convicted drug trafficker from Marseille, and Olivier Sabbah, who is accused of helping to conceal proceeds from criminal activities.
Nasri’s involvement is reportedly connected to the money laundering aspect of the investigation, particularly through his previous investment in nightclub XS, located in Ivry-sur-Seine.
The former Premier League star invested hundreds of thousands of euros into the nightclub while playing for Manchester City and later became a co-owner of the business.
Authorities are reportedly looking into financial links surrounding the club, including claims that the wife of convicted criminal Berrebouh visited the nightclub on several occasions to withdraw large sums of money while her husband was in prison.
During questioning, Nasri reportedly told investigators that he had already sold his shares in the nightclub to Berrebouh. However, reports claim the agreement was only verbal and not formally documented.
His business partner, Bilele Z, was also reportedly arrested as part of the investigation.
Nasri has not been charged, and his lawyer has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The former midfielder enjoyed a successful career in English football, spending time with Arsenal, Manchester City and West Ham United. He made 129 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 18 goals, and helped the club win two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the Community Shield.
Nasri, who earned 41 caps for France, also had a successful spell at Arsenal, scoring 18 goals before moving to Manchester City in 2011.
