World Champion Mustafi set for Arsenal move

Arsenal look set to increase their contingent of German players with the transfer of World Champion Shkrodan Mustafi from Valencia. At the weekend, Arsène Wenger confirmed this transfer and another deal to bring Lucas Perez of Deportivo La Coruna to North London, although the club are yet to officially confirm the moves: “We have bought two players – Mustafi and Perez. We’ll integrate them into the team. The transfers were hard work and there are no plans for more.”

Mustafi: “I want to play in the Champions League again”

Mustafi was full of praise for his new employers. “They are an internationally represented club and it was important for me to be able to make a step forward in my career.” The 24 year old commented that this transfer “hasn’t taken him up the career ladder by five steps” but was “the logical next step to take.” Also, the fact that he wouldn’t have played in any European competitions this season with Valencia was a reason why he accepted the move: “I want to play in the Champions League again and with players who I can learn from. The stars at Arsenal have achieved so much and will be able to teach me a few things.”

Another factor which influenced Mustafi was his Germany teammate, Mesut Özil. He said: “I contacted Mesut. He told me how everything works here. It was extremely positive.”

Mustafi likely to replace injured Mertesacker

Mustafi is intended to provide cover for Per Mertesacker who is out injured for a month. The Gunners have already secured the services of Switzerland international Granit Xhaka from Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Mustafi has already spent time in England as a youth player for Everton. However, the skilled defender could not establish himself in Merseyside and moved to Sampdoria in 2012. Two years later he moved to Valencia in Spain where he featured as a regular starter from the outset.

Mustafi’s impeding transfer to Arsenal marks the third Germany international to move to England this summer. Former FC Bayern München coach Pep Guardiola had already strengthened his new Manchester City squad with the signings of Leroy Sané (Schalke 04) and Ilkay Gündogan (Borussia Dortmund).

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