Wenger confirms Mustafi deal

Wenger confirms Mustafi deal

 

Arsene Wenger has confirmed they are in talks to sign Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi.

The Gunners’ boss is hoping a deal can be reached before the end of the transfer window as he seeks to address their defensive challenges.

Both Gabriel and Per Mertesacker are out injured and while the former is billed to return within the next four weeks, Mertesacker won’t return to action until early next year, and as a result, bringing in a defensive cover is a top priority.

Simon Kjaer, Jonny Evans and Omer Toprak are also on the shortlist should a deal for Mustafi fail, but Wenger appeared confident of landing the 24-year-old following Saturday’s draw with Leicester.

“Mustafi? We hope it will be done. He is one of a number of players we are looking at,” Wenger told French TV station SFR Sport.

“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.’

There could be some good news for Arsenal in their chase for the Germany defender, as Valencia may be forced into selling him, in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.