It looks like the transfer of Shkodran Mustafi to Arsenal is now a foregone conclusion, with the latest news being reported by the Evening Standard telling us that the German international centre back has flown to London to complete his medical.
The report also talks about the cost of the move and claims that the price that Arsenal will pay for the player is going to be around £10 million more than the £25 million that the early Arsenal transfer rumours said that his Spanish La Liga club were ready to accept.
With officials from Valencia having admitted that their financial situation was not great and was forcing them into selling at least one of their best players, why have Arsenal not been able to negotiate better? Is it because Arsene Wenger waited too long?
It could be, as you would think that we would have had a better bargaining position earlier in the transfer window when the Frenchman could have given the Spaniards a take it or leave it offer. Now they know he has very little time to go elsewhere.
The other factor could be the public frustration of Arsenal fans and people in the football media connected with the club. All this would not have passed Valencia by, and it may well have made them bolder in their transfer demands. So why have Valencia been able to dictate the terms of this deal? And do we really care as long as the Gunners have the player we need to strengthen our injury hit defence?
Bob.