The Arsenal armband belongs to Laurent Koscielny.

But there is no doubt who is directing the traffic around the Gunners' goal in their current hot streak.

There may not be too many bargains these days at £34million but in Shkodran Mustafi, Arsene Wenger may just have found one for Arsenal.

Mustafi was the subject of weeks of haggling between Arsenal and Valencia before a fee was agreed. To many it was an exorbitant one. It may well turn out to be money well spent.

(Image: David Price)

(Image: David Price)

New arrivals can often be tentative while they adapt. Mustafi has hit the ground running. And tackling. And heading. And talking.

In the 2-0 win over FC Basel, it was the 24-year-old who was responsible for the majority of chatter and finger-pointing. Koscielny leads by example. Mustafi adds the verbals.

He is what they call a proper defender, the type of player and personality that Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons. The missing vertebrae in the backbone.

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(Image: Getty)

(Image: Julian Finney)

Comparisons are always dangerous but on the evidence so far you can put Mustafi in the same bracket as the likes of Thomas Vermaelen and Nemanja Vidic at their peak and the rivals down the road at Tottenham may now have a genuine contender to Toby Alderweireld's mantle as the best centre back in the Premier League.

If Mustafi can stay injury-free, then Arsenal will have a real asset in their attempt to end years of relative success and distinct under-achievement.

They have persistently looked vulnerable at the back – especially in away games and particularly when they are under-pressure. Mustafi could be the answer to that dilemma.

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Arsenal v Basel (Image: Reuters) View gallery

What he brings is Teutonic discipline and mental strength to a defence that looked so fragile in the opening weekend 4-3 home defeat to Liverpool.

And given their status as world champions, it is unlikely that average players will get into the Germany squad.

Mustafi is a regular. Enough said.