Arsenal could reportedly wrap up the transfer of Shkodran Mustafi by Saturday, that’s according to reports in Germany.
The 24-year-old is said to be on the verge of securing a move to north London from Valencia, with Arsene Wenger finally set to end the wait for new arrivals at the club.
According to Sky Sports, the fee for the German international will rise up to £35m, with the Gunners looking to shore up their defence after seeing key players pick up injuries.
While it’s seemingly a matter of time before the deal gets done, Sky Sport Germany reporter Marc Behrenbeck has taken to Twitter to reveal the latest details on Mustafi.
It’s claimed that the defender underwent his medical on Saturday and will sign a five-year deal with Arsenal that could even be announced on the same day.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Wenger will want to get the deal over the line as soon as possible as he also looks to make additions in other areas of the pitch too.
Update: #mustafi has medical @Arsenal now. Will sign 5-year-contract later on. Deal Will be official today. @valenciacf @SkySportNewsHD Info
— Marc Behrenbeck (@Sky_Marc) August 27, 2016
Nevertheless, it looks as though Mustafi will arrive this weekend, if reports are to be believed, and he will in turn hope to establish himself as the new central-defensive partner for Laurent Koscielny in the weeks and months ahead.
Recent statistics show that he has been significantly more effective compared to Per Mertesacker over the last two years, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can have that same positive influence in the Premier League.
Mertesacker and Gabriel picked up long-term injury setbacks during pre-season, and so a new central defender will certainly be welcome for Arsenal ahead of the deadline.