Mark Hughes believes Kolo Toure will have a key role to play for Manchester City, both on and off the pitch. The 28-year-old defender has signed a four-year contract at Eastlands, after ending a seven-year spell at Arsenal.

While the fee is undisclosed it understood City have paid about £15m secure his services. "I have been an admirer of him for a long time. He is strong, quick, reads the game well and will be an influential figure in the dressing room," said Hughes.

"Kolo has been a central figure in a very strong Arsenal team for many years, and I am delighted to welcome him to Manchester City. It is no secret that we have been looking to strengthen our defence and in Kolo I feel we have recruited a world-class player. He brings a wealth of Premier League experience."

He is strong, quick, reads the game well and will be an influential figure in the dressing room. In Kolo I feel we have recruited a world-class player.
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes on new signing Kolo Toure

Hughes turned to Toure, who will be unveiled to the media today, after his efforts to bring in John Terry were rebuffed first by Chelsea, then by their captain.

Toure's arrival is City's sixth signing of the summer. His former Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor has already checked in along with Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry and back-up goalkeeper Stuart Taylor. However it is understood that City are still keen on Everton's Joleon Lescott.

Toure struggled to find his best form last season after the CAF African Cup of Nations Ghana 2008. He was shunted out to right-back when Bacary Sagna got injured, and went on to make 26 starts in the league. The Ivorian, however, was recognised as Arsenal's most established centre-back and the only remaining regular from their successful side of the 2003/04 campaign.

A utility player when he arrived in north London in 2002, he quickly blossomed into a top-class defender. He won over manager Arsene Wenger with his strength, pace and his ability to break up play.

New deal for Onuoha
Meanwhile, promising defender Nedum Onuoha has agreed a new five-year contract at Eastlands. The 22-year-old broke into City's back four midway through last season, and never relinquished his place thanks to a series of composed performances.

But he knows that will guarantee him nothing in City's new-look team. "I was pleased by the way I played towards the end of last season but at the same time, I don't think that level of form will be good enough to get me into the side this time around," Onuoha said.