Arsenal were said to be looking at a number of top defensive superstar and were strongly linked with a few of them, with Wenger’s side suffering from an early-season defensive injury crisis. With skipper Per Mertesacker out for five months with an injury to his knee and Gabriel Paulista out with an ankle problem for a couple of months, things do not look too bright for the Gunners.
Laurent Koscielny rejoined Arsenal’s back-line for their 0-0 draw against the champions of England, Leicester City on Saturday, partnering recent signing Rob Holding from Bolton.
Despite that it was after the match that the French manager admitted that he was looking to bring German international Shkodran Mustafi to the Emirates.
“Mustafi? We hope it will be done,” the Frenchman said.
“He is one of a number of players we are looking at.
“We are struggling to find the players we need, but we must be responsible.
“Mustafi is one of a number of players we are looking at, but, yes, negotiations are ongoing.”
The Arsenal boss is ready to offer Mustafi a four-year deal at the Emirates and values the 24-year-old at £25m. Valencia have quoted Arsenal a staggering £50m for their man, which has been the reason for negotiations failing so far.
Arsenal transfer Chief Dick Law is reportedly in Spain for talks and their move could be on the verge of being completed as Valencia need to sell, with the La Liga outfit having to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, though some claims have already suggested that the deal is off.
It has also been suggested the La Liga club want to do business with the Gunners in order to raise funds to sign Chelsea forward Pedro, though anything is possible in the transfer window.
