Shkodran Mustafi has now completed a medical with Arsenal and the switch is all but finalised.
The German defender is set to be announced this week as the Gunners’ latest signing once the remaining formalities are completed.
The 24-year-old is joining from Valencia in a £35m deal and will plug the gap in the north London side’s defence which has leaked five goals in their opening three games.
Manager Arsene Wenger has been under huge pressure this summer from fans who have become frustrated with the failure to win the Premier League since 2004 – and with Wenger’s apparent reluctance to spend money to bring in new signings.
But Mustafi has told Sky Sports that it was the prospect of working under Wenger that convinced him to join the club.
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
“For me, it’s important to have a coach who has been there for many, many years and takes care of everything,” he said.
He also said his Germany team-mate Mesut Ozil assured him Arsenal would be the right move.
“I haven’t spoken to Per [Mertesacker] yet, but I spoke with Mesut [Özil] & he told me everything [about the club].
“[He said] how the club is & how it’s run. Everything he said was very positive and I was quickly convinced.”
Wenger is extremely proud of the club’s record of playing in the Champions League every single season he has been running the club – another factor which drew Mustafi to the Emirates.
“[They’re] a big club, a giant club with giant history, a club that always plays up there, always in Europe too.
“Playing in the Champions League & with teammates who I can learn from, who have big experience, so that’s why I moved there.”
Shkodran Mustafi has given an exclusive interview with @SkySportNewsHD on why he chose to sign for Arsenal. #afc pic.twitter.com/9YPlIpYEEU
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
Mustafi says Wenger played a big part in him signing & fellow German Mesut Özil told him good things about the club. pic.twitter.com/1fxmSgxfwd
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
Shkodran Mustafi on the move: "If a big move like this happens, there is always a lot that has to be planned, discussed & talked about."
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
Mustafi on Arsenal: "[They're] a big club, a giant club with giant history, a club that always plays up there, always in Europe too." #afc
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
Mustafi: "Playing in the Champions League & with teammates who I can learn from, who have big experience, so that's why I moved there."
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
Mustafi on Wenger: "For me, it's important to have a coach who has been there for many, many years & takes care of everything." #afc
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
Mustafi on Özil: "[He said] how the club is & how it's run. Everything he said was very positive & I was quickly convinced." #afc
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 28, 2016
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