It is being reported that Arsenal are being asked for a bit more of a transfer fee than we were ready to pay to sign the Germany international Shkodran Mustafi from La Liga club Valencia. This is hardly surprising as the Spanish club are sure to know that Arsenal are desperate and are running out of time, especially after the loss of our first Premier League game of the season with four goals conceded.
Despite those four goals I was impressed with the performance at the centre of our defence from Calum Chambers and the new boy Rob Holding also looked alright and gave us a lot of encouragement for his future career as a Gunner. I do not think we can rely on them as a defensive pairing though, because they need an experienced player to help and guide them.
In theory it might be okay with Koscielny and one of the two young centre backs playing, but what if the Frenchman cannot play due to an injury, fitness or disciplinary problem? How many times has this sort of thing cost Arsenal dear?
That is why we need Mustafi and why Valencia want more than the £20 million for him. The Daily Mail says £10 million more while The Mirror says around £5 million more. Both reports claim, however. that Arsenal and Wenger are baulking at the demands and I just do not get it.
The transfer situation may not be ideal but our squad situation is even worse and so Wenger must bite the bullet in order to fix it. Stop messing about Arsene and get the deal done.
Bob.