Arsenal have announced the signing of German international defender Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia.
In a deal worth £35M according to The Guardian, Arsène Wenger told the Arsenal website: “He is at the right age. He has good experience. He is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future.”
Wenger's new signing also revealed that Mesut Özil helped convince him to move to The Emirates.
Spending spree
Mustafi is Arsenal's fifth signing after spending £100M on Granit Xhaka, Rob Holding, Takuma Asano and Lucas Perez, with his signing settling a few Arsenal fans' nerves after a slow start to the season. The German could make his competitive debut against Southampton on September 10th.
Arsene Wenger has been in hot pursuit of World Cup winner Mustafi after injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel with Calum Chambers joining Middlesbrough on loan. The signing of Mustafi strengthens Arsene Wenger's defensive options and gives Laurent Koscielny a new strong partner in central defence.
Previous career
Shkodran Mustafi started his career after joining Everton's youth academy, making a single appearance for the Mersyside team in the UEFA Cup. Sampdoria signed Mustafi for free in January 2012, making 50 appearances in a two year stint in Italy before a £8M move to Valencia. The German quickly established himself as a regular starter at Los Che making 61 appearances and scoring six goals in two seasons in Spain.
The central defender is also a regular squad member of the German national team and helped them win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as well as being involved in this summer's Euros.
Gunners Swoop For Perez
Earlier today Arsenal confirmed a deal for Deportivo La Coruña striker Lucas Perez in a £17.1 million deal. The Spanish 27 year old forward scored 17 goals in 37 games for Deportivo last season including a seven game scoring streak.