Arsenal have completed the signing of Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi for a fee believed to be over £35m. The German international has completed his medical and has agreed a 5-year deal with the Gunners. This news comes hours after the confirmation of the signing of Deportivo forward Lucas Perez.
Mustafi had been heavily linked with the Gunners for over a month but talks broke down due to issues with the fee. Talks resumed after Arsenal’s humiliation at the hands of Liverpool on the opening matchday and a deal was completed last week. Gunners fans will be thrilled to hear that all the formalities have been completed and Mustafi is now officially an Arsenal player.
“He is at the right age,” Wenger said of the defender. “He has good experience. He is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future.”
Also read: Official: Arsenal complete the signing of Lucas Perez from Deportivo La Coruna
Mustafi was one of Valencia’s best players in the past few seasons, making over 60 appearances for the Spanish club. He has also made 12 appearances for Germany till date and was a part of the German squad that lifted the 2014 World Cup trophy. He also scored Germany’s opening goal against Ukraine in the EURO 2016 to get their campaign underway.
This will not be his first taste of English football though. The 24-year-old was a part of Everton’s youth academy way back in 2009 but made just 1 appearance for the Toffees before being shipped out to Sampdoria and then Valencia.
The 24-year-old is expected to add a solidity to Arsenal’s defense that they have lacked in the past few seasons. With injuries to Gabriel and Mertesacker, Mustafi is expected to slot straight into the squad in place of youngster Rob Holding.
The German is extremely similar to Laurent Koscielny in his playing style. Like the Frenchman, Mustafi relies on well timed tackles and interceptions rather than aggressive challenges to win the ball and is also a brilliant reader of the game. At 6ft he also poses an aerial threat that Arsenal lack.
Also read: 5 things to know about Arsenal target Shkodran Mustafi
The German is currently away on international duty and will join the Arsenal squad on his return next week.
Mustafi, who recently cited Mesut Ozil as the reason behind his signing will be Arsenal’s fifth summer signing after the arrivals of Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano, Rob Holding and Lucas Perez.
The German along with fellow newcomer Lucas Perez are expected to make their debuts in Arsenal’s next Premier League encounter against Southampton after the international break.
