Arsenal transfer news: Gunners complete deal for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi

German arrives following injuries to fellow centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Gabriel

Declan Warrington
Tuesday 30 August 2016 23:57 BST
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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia.

The central defender, 24, arrives after Arsene Wenger's near summer-long pursuit, and shortly after Calum Chambers' loan departure to Middlesbrough.

Arsenal earlier on Tuesday secured the signing of Lucas Perez from Deportivo La Coruna, so Germany's Mustafi becomes their sixth summer recruit after Granit Xhaka, Rob Holding, Takuma Asano - who has already joined Stuttgart on loan - and Kelechi Nwakali.

“He is at the right age,” Wenger told the club's official website. “He has good experience.

“He is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future.”

In the same way recruiting Perez was considered to have strengthened one of Arsenal's perceived weaknesses, Mustafi arrives following injuries to fellow centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Gabriel.

It is also believed his transfer has taken Premier League clubs' spending during the summer transfer window beyond £1billion. Figures are subject to official confirmation, but on Tuesday morning they stood at £925million.

As with Perez, the terms of the Germany international's transfer have not been disclosed.

“[I] can't wait to play for this great club,” said Mustafi.

PA

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