One day the deal is close to completion, the next it’s off. However, Arsenal have now finally beat off the competition to land Shkodran Mustafi. This is according to one journalist, who insists everything but the medical is done.
As written by Emmanuele Giulianelli of Gazzetta Dello Sport on Twitter on Thursday, the Gunners will wrap up the deal for the German center-back on Friday for an estimated price of £26m.
Emmanuele also added that the Valencia defender’s medical ahead of his Emirates Stadium switch is scheduled for Monday, after the north Londoners travel to Premier League champions Leicester City.
+++ Arsenal: looks like Mustafi will be agreed tomorrow. Club were waiting to see if injury would heal as expected. Looks to be €30m #afc
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) August 18, 2016
Mustafi medicals with Arsenal expected to be on Monday. #afc
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) August 18, 2016
Arsenal fans can now breathe a huge sigh of relief, if these claims turn out to be true, as a new defensive recruitment is badly needed. This was evident when Liverpool tore apart the Gunners’ back four during the 4-3 loss to the Reds in their opening game.
Luarent Koscielny missed out on that game due to a lack of match fitness, but is expected to return to the team for the trip to the King Power Stadium. Regardless, both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista are out with lengthy spells on the sideline.
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As a result, the French center-back will be paired with either the inexperienced Rob Holding, or the shaky Calum Chambers, both of whom crumbled in the face of Liverpool’s attack.
According to Sport Deporte, Mustafi is currently nursing a muscle strain, and may not slot into the first team quickly if the deal is wrapped up soon. Nonetheless, his arrival will be welcomed by fans and may boost morale after that disappointing opening day defeat.
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