English Premier League side Arsenal FC have finally agreed transfer fee with Spanish side Valencia in order to land talented German defender Shkodran Mustafi.
The summer long term target for Arsenal is likely to complete the move before the August transfer deadline ends on the last of this month, Sky Sports reports.
The Gunners are in a major injury crisis this summer, and it is already threatening their title hopes this term. They have been on the chase to land the 2014 World Cup winner, and Euro 2016 participant for Germany all summer. The deal has been delayed for several reasons, but largely due to a stall in negotiation as both parties couldn’t agree on the transfer fee. Sky Sports announced that the player in question agreed to move to the London-based outfit, yet the price remained a hindrance.
Mustafi used to be with Premier League side Everton as a youngster, before his exit to play for Sampdoria, then Valencia. The 24-year old could make a return to England with reports claiming this would cost Arsenal about £35 million.
Coach Arsene Wenger has been under immense pressure to win a title, but the loss to Liverpool forced him to reassure fans that he was on the move to reinforce the squad. Former Bolton Wanderers defender Rob Holding, 20, has been holding the forte since the injury of skipper Per Mertesacker and Brazil international Gabriel Paulista. Many resolved that Arsenal would end up ‘trophyless’ again, putting more weight on Wenger to sign players. The result of the extra strain is the Mustafi deal.
Aside the defender, Wenger is sure to add a striker. Joel Campbell was pushed out on another loan deal by Wenger this season, despite the forward being a dominant force in the team. Wenger is sure to add a striker but an extra hand (or leg here), considering the numerous competitions and past experiences wouldn’t have hurt.
