The breakthrough in what
have been drawn out negotiations with Valencia followed a deal earlier in the day to sign Deportivo La Coruna striker
Lucas Perez Martinez for £17 million.
After coming under intense
pressure for his lack of signings, Wenger’s summer spending is close to £100
million after the arrivals earlier in the transfer window of Granit Xhaka and
Rob Holding.
Both Mustafi and Lucas are
now due in London for medicals ahead of what is expected to be the formalities
of personal terms.
Mustafi had always been
Arsenal’s top target at centre-back and, after Mesut Ozil, is poised to become
the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Arsenal have been searching
for centre-backs since the start of the year but the need gathered urgency
during pre-season when both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel were injured. The
arrival of Mustafi is also likely to ensure that Calum Chambers is sent out on
loan to gather first-team experience.
Mertesacker is in the final
year of his contract but, with Holding, Laurent Koscienly, Gabriel and Mustafi,
Wenger has now largely rebuilt this area of his team.
The Mustafi deal reached a
deadlock last week over the fee after Arsenal’s initial £20 million offer was
rejected but, with Valencia also easing on their valuation, a compromise has
been reached at £35 million.
That is still more than
Wenger paid for Alexis Sanchez only two years ago but, with prices inflated by
the Premier League’s new broadcast deal, Arsenal are ready to make Musafi their
most expensive ever defender.
They will
also hope that it answers some of the questions over Wenger’s perceived
reluctance to spend. The arrivals of Mustafi and Lucas will also complete
Arsenal’s incoming transfer business although there may still be some
significant departures.
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