Arsenal have scheduled two medicals for Friday, Fresh Arsenal understands.
The club have been trying to sign a defender for some time and the first medical booked is for Shkodran Mustafi. The 24-year-old German international will undergo a medical on Friday after Arsenal and Valencia agreed a €41million fee (£35million). Mustafi has already provisionally agreed personal terms at around £100,000 per week on a five-year contract and just needs to sign on the dotted line to complete the deal.
When you hear Mustafi and Perez will be Arsenal players by the weekend… https://t.co/YOTUnmyji1
— Fresh Arsenal (@Fresh_Arsenal) August 25, 2016
Mustafi is an aerially dominant defender, despite standing at just 6ft, he is strong in the air and won over 68% of his aerial duels in La Liga last season. Admittedly he may face bigger and stronger strikers in the Premier League but his mix of pace and strength make him appear well built for English football. Mustafi is expected to slot in alongside Laurent Koscielny in defence whilst Calum Chambers is likely to leave on loan before the close of the window. Rob Holding will stay and remain third choice, and Krystian Bielik 4th choice until Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker return from their long-term injuries.
And another one…
Arsenal could announce two signings in one day with forward Lucas Perez also scheduled to have a medical at the club. The Gunners have met the players €20million release clause and they now need to agree personal terms with the striker and complete a medical. Lucas is expected to sign a four-year contract worth around £70,000 per week.
Arsenal have swooped in ahead of Everton, who thought they’d signed him, to secure the services of Perez. With 17 goals and 8 assists in La Liga last season, Lucas, despite nearly being 28, rose to prominence last season and he opened his account this season by scoring the winner for Deportivo last weekend.
Everton were set to sign him, but Lucas appears to have been swayed by the fact that Arsenal play in the Champions League, a competition he is desperate to participate in. Lucas is predominantly a striker, although he can play as a number 10 or on either wing. He is known for his hard working style of play and his dribbling abilities.
If deals for Lucas and Mustafi are completed, Arsenal’s summer spending would stand at around £90million with the club already acquiring the services of Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano and Rob Holding. Arsenal are not expecting any more arrivals this summer after these two, although they remain alert should an opportunity arise.