Sky Sports understands negotiations will continue today (Thursday) as the Wenger try to wrap up the deal for the Germany international who will boost the Gunners’ defensive ranks following injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.
Paulista who has now been sidelined for up to six weeks picked up a knock in last Sunday’s friendly win over Manchester City after he clashed with Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho who scored one of the Citizens’ consolation of the encounter.
Reports suggest a deal is close for the Gunners to sign Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi for a fee in the region of £20million after he was left out of his side’s most recent friendly match
Born in Germany to an Albanian family, Mustafi eventually opted to represent his adopted nation at international level, though he could have played for Albania – something he has in common with Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Xhaka.
The 24-year-old also brings some versatility to the side, and could also be an option at right-back if need be, though don’t expect him to make too many Hector Bellerin-esque darts forward.
A surprise selection by Germany manager Joachim Low for his 2014 World Cup squad, the 24-year old centre-half was only called up after injury ruled Marco Reus out of the tournament.
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