Arsenal are closing in on the signings of Lucas Perez who plays for Deportivo La Coruna and Shkodran Mustafi who plays for Valencia. This news was broken by the reliable David Ornstein who works for the BBC.

Ornstein tweeted “Arsenal have beaten Everton to signing of Deportivo La Coruna striker Lucas Perez. Deal agreed, #AFC meeting €20m release clause, 17.1m #EFC”  which was then followed by “Arsenal close to agreeing deal to sign Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi. #AFC will pay fee in excess of £35m for Germany international.”

Lucas Perez

Lucas Perez is not the striker all Arsenal fans craved but it does represent a signing of a striker. Perez has been linked with Valencia and Everton within the last couple of days but was linked with Barcelona earlier this window.

Perez is known for his pace and work rate which has thrown up similarities that he is like Jaime Vardy.  Perez scored 17 goals in La Liga last year which is his most prolific season to date. It was believed that Everton triggered his release clause but the lure of Champions league football seems to have swung the deal.

Shkodran Mustafi

This deal seems to have dragged on all summer but it looks like it may be coming to an end. However, a note of caution here  is the fee has yet to be agreed but it is close.  Mustafi has been the priority over the last month and it seems likely. A German international that is regarded as the third best defender in the German national team may represent a good deal for the Arsenal.

Earlier this week the deal looked like it may dead after the Valencia coach had said he was staying and Valencia wanted his release clause to be met which stands at €50 million. However, it seems as if Mustafi has forced a deal to happen after he met with the owners of Valencia with his representatives yesterday.

Good deals

It seems like a frustrating summer may be about to come to an end if Arsenal can get both of these over the line. Perez seems to be done and if reports are to be believed in Spain then this deal may be announced tomorrow. Mustafi may drag close to the deadline but hopefully Arsenal can get it completed.

Perez is not the big name Arsenal fans have craved but I will reserve judgement until I have seen him play. Elneny had the same reaction and he has turned out to be a decent player. Mustafi may end up an expensive transfer but hopefully in the long run this will end up good business. However, he will need to settle in the Premier League first.