Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is having a torrid time in the transfer market this summer, and it doesn’t promise to get much better any time soon.
The Frenchman has seen both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel pick up long-term injuries in pre-season, leaving him short of experienced options at the back.
Rob Holding will likely continue to partner Laurent Koscielny in central defence, but Wenger undoubtedly needs to bring in reinforcements in that area to add quality and experience.
It’s proving to be more difficult than he would like though, as according to The Mirror, he’s been quoted a sensational £50m price-tag for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi.
It’s claimed that they’re aiming high as they want the fee from the sale to fund their own transfer move for Chelsea winger Pedro.
Nevertheless, it’s highly unlikely that they will receive the level of money being quoted, as the report goes on to add that negotiations are continuing with Wenger willing to go over £25m to sign the German international on a four-year deal.
The Gunners are also looking at alternatives in the form of Jonny Evans and Jose Gimenez, but again, a reluctance to sell from their current employers coupled with valuations are proving to be significant stumbling blocks for Wenger in his recruitment drive.
The pressure is certainly on him now though with the transfer deadline fast approaching, as ultimately he must deliver a new signing to the supporters as the frustration levels at the club continue to grow.
In his defence, it’s not as easy as simply splashing out £50m on a defender who in no way, shape or form warrants such a price-tag, and so he’ll potentially have to look elsewhere for the solution to his problem as the clock continues to tick down.
Arsenal have picked up just one point from their opening two Premier League games of the season, as they look forward to facing Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.