Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi has agreed to join Arsenal, but the Gunners are yet to agree a fee with Valencia, according to Sky Sports.
The report suggests the German international, who’s valued at around £30m, has verbally agreed to move to London and is expected to sign his Arsenal contract once the two clubs have agreed a fee for his services.
Arsene Wenger is reportedly desperate to bolster his defensive options following the injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.
Mertesacker suffered a serious knee injury last month, whereas Gabriel will be out for up to 8 weeks with an ankle injury.
Wenger will have to field a makeshift defense in Arsenal’s season opener against Liverpool on Sunday as Laurent Koscielny has also been ruled out of the game.
It’s clear to see why Arsenal have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Mustafi in the past few days. Even without the injury problems, Wenger needs to strengthen his defense and the possible acquisition of the German would be a step in the right direction.
The 24-year-old has been impressive for Valencia since his move from Sampdoria two years ago and now looks set to continue his career in England.
His time in Spain has allowed him to develop his technical ability, which would help him adapt to Arsenal’s style of play quickly enough.
