Arsenal are close to sealing a 20 million pounds move for German international Shkodran Mustafi.
English newspaper Times are reporting that a deal is close and Arsenal are about to make a breakthrough in negotiations.
Arsene Wenger has always been reasonable in terms of prices he pays for players, but it seems that the Frenchman’s stance has finally changed. The Arsenal manager has confirmed to Times that Arsenal have accepted the reality and will have to pay inflated prices for players just like the other clubs.
“We have to follow the prices paid by other people,” the Arsenal manager said. “That has gone up because the availability of money is much higher.”
Earlier today there were reports of the player agreeing to personal terms with Arsenal.
It seems that the move is now closer than ever. However, Arsenal must agree on a fee with Valencia soon if Mustafi wants to start against Liverpool this weekend. The player has to be signed by midday tomorrow in order to be eligible.
Arsenal will be without the likes of Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, Koscielny for their opening game and Wenger is set to start with a young pairing of Chambers and Holding unless the Mustafi transfer goes through in time.
Mustafi has been one of the best defenders in La Liga over the last two seasons and would be a cracking addition for the Gunners. When Koscielny finally returns after his break, the Londoners can have a solid pairing at the back for the first time in years.
The German international impressed during the Euros as well and was a target for crosstown rivals Chelsea. But it seems that Wenger is close to beating Conte to the player’s signature now.
Mustafi was in London earlier with Valencia as the Spanish side played against a few English teams as a part of their pre-season preparations.
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