Shkodran Mustafi will undergo his Arsenal medical on Monday in the event of Arsenal agreeing on a fee of about £25.9million on Friday, La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Emanuele Giulianelli reports.
The German international missed training because of a muscle strain, which is seen as a hindrance to the deal. However, Arsenal are ready to launch a formal bid if the injury proves a minor concern.
The Italian journalist tweeted: “Arsenal: looks like Mustafi will be agreed tomorrow. Club were waiting to see if the injury would heal as expected. Looks to be €30m (£25.9m). Mustafi medicals with Arsenal expected to be on Monday.”
Injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista have forced the Gunners to scout centre-backs. With the Calum Chambers-Rob Holding partnership proving too green to start Premier League games, as evidenced by the soul-crushing Liverpool defeat, they are now determined to bring in a defender before the transfer window slams shut.
Arsene Wenger reiterated in the Leicester City pre-match press conference that he would not mind spending big on a quality player. Given the fact that only a few players are available in the market right now, Mustafi is the best centre-back Arsenal can sign this summer.
Arsenal have also been linked with numerous other centre-backs, including Jose Fonte (Southampton), Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Marcel Tisserand (Monaco), Simon Kjaer (Fenerbahce), and Jonny Evans (West Bromwich Albion).
Although Arsenal are certain to bring down a defender before August 31, whether he will be a potential squad player in the mould of Evans or a long-term solution like Mustafi remains to be seen.
Comments
I believe by the time Arsenal started winning they could be 9 points off the top. Time to fire him. I am getting sick and tired of this fg for turning Arsenal into a mediocre club.
challenge.Tactically he has been found out with a phobia for over emphasis on possession.
5 points may not be much but it could get bigger if the gunners cant win.
There are no easy games as Burnley showed by beating Pool who had scored 4 goals against Wenger.
it's more difficult than ever
it's the best managerial event
it's the best cash Sprint
it's the most viewed
it's the best league
it's the magical unbelievable
it's arsenal this season
Wenger or the board have lost thier nerve, all must be replaced. If we end outside top four, with Wenger going what top manager will wish to manage a sinking football club?.