German central defender Shkodran Mustafi has shed light on the reasons behind his imminent transfer to Arsenal, by revealing to reporters that the move is the next “logical step” in his career.
The 24-year-old is poised to become the Gunners’ third major summer signing later this week as he successfully passed a medical on Friday after a fee was agreed with Valencia.
Whilst there has been no official confirmation of a deal by any party just yet, Mustafi came across extremely confident in an interview reported by SKY Germany in which he spoke about his decision to swap La Liga for the Premier League.
When asked by the reporter why he has chosen to join Arsenal, Mustafi said: “For me its like you said, a big club, a giant club with giant history.
“A club that always plays up there, always in Europe too – and what was also important to me, its that I’ve taken a step forward. In my career I’ve always looked out for taking steps forward.
For me its the logical next step. Playing in the Champions League, playing with teammates from who you can learn, who have big experience, so its why I moved there.”
Furthermore, he admitted that manager Arsene Wenger’s long tenure at the club made the decision to join a lot more easier as it allows him to concentrate on his football.
“For me its also important to have a coach whose been there for many many years and takes care of everything so that I only have to worry about my own football.”
Mustafi’s arrival will provide Wenger with an extra option in central defence as he’s been light in that area following injuries to Gabriel Paulista and club captain Per Mertesacker during pre-season.
The German international featured for the national team at this summer’s European Championships and impressed for Los Che in La Liga last season.
In 30 league appearances last season Mustafi recorded a total of 133 interceptions – the second highest total in the entire division.
COMMENTS