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Football

28th Aug 2016

Shkodran Mustafi explains why he chose to sign for Arsenal

The deal will be announced this week

Rob Burnett

Shkodran Mustafi has now completed a medical with Arsenal and the switch is all but finalised.

The German defender is set to be announced this week as the Gunners’ latest signing once the remaining formalities are completed.

The 24-year-old is joining from Valencia in a £35m deal and will plug the gap in the north London side’s defence which has leaked five goals in their opening three games.

Arsene Wenger has been under huge pressure this summer from fans who have become frustrated with the failure to win the Premier League since 2004 – and with the Arsenal manager’s apparent reluctance to spend money to bring in new signings.

But Mustafi has told Sky Sports that it was the prospect of working under Wenger that convinced him to join the club.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager looks on during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

 

“For me, it’s important to have a coach who has been there for many, many years and takes care of everything,” he said.

He also said his Germany team-mate Mesut Ozil assured him Arsenal would be the right move.

“I haven’t spoken to Per [Mertesacker] yet, but I spoke with Mesut [Özil] & he told me everything [about the club].

“[He said] how the club is & how it’s run. Everything he said was very positive and I was quickly convinced.”

Wenger is extremely proud of the club’s record of playing in the Champions League every single season he has been running the club – another factor which drew Mustafi to the Emirates.

“[They’re] a big club, a giant club with giant history, a club that always plays up there, always in Europe too.

“Playing in the Champions League & with teammates who I can learn from, who have big experience, so that’s why I moved there.”

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