With less than two weeks before the season begins, Arsenal fans are getting excited over the tiniest of updates, so here’s another one to keep you going.
After being lined up as a possible replacement for the injured Per Mertesacker, Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi has touched down in England today.
It’s a position that Arsene Wenger has admitted needs to be filled with experience quickly, after stating he expected a deal to be confirmed before the beginning of the new campaign.
But sadly, Mustafi isn’t in the country for all of the reasons we hoped for, and his recent social media activity has suggested there is nothing in the pipeline with the Gunners.
The 24-year-old is instead taking part in Valencia’s pre-season tour as they prepare to face Bournemouth and Crystal Palace during the week.
??? Finally back in training with the team @valenciacf ! ??⚽ #sm5pic.twitter.com/AgLvpzIslm
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) August 1, 2016
That news helps the newspapers write stories, but it doesn’t provide any sort of update on our search for a defender capable of slotting straight into the starting XI.
Despite the heavy reports that Arsenal have met with officials from the La Liga side, this could be the first of many signs that the search will go on for a centre back.
At the current moment, Mertesacker will be sidelined until next year whilst Laurent Koscielny will miss the opening of the Premier League as he continues an extended break following the Euro’s.
Because of that very reason, experience at the back is needed to ensure we get off to a good start against the likes of Liverpool and current champions, Leicester City.
For that reason, we’ve lined up three other names that could be in line to make the switch to the Emirates, but are they the right choice to fill the gaps?
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