Arsenal Turn To Atletico For Defensive Alternative To Mustafi

Arsenal Turn To Atletico For Defensive Alternative To Mustafi

People are wondering why Mustafi is still with Valencia when his agent announced the center-back’s transfer is a done deal. Reports say Wenger is not willing to meet the Spanish Side’s financial expectations which are overinflated due to the transfer activity within the Premier League. The problem might not be of a financial nature though as hinted in Wenger’s most recent statements.

“Before you pay over the odds you have to be convinced by the player. Can he strengthen your squad? Then you must have the money available to pay, because we already invested at a very high price. And we will do so again.”


“We work very hard and I cannot tell you much more. What I fight against is to tell the only way is to buy. It is right when you buy. We are not scared to spend the money. It is about the quality.”

“I think this club has been built on that. The main thing on building the club is based on the transfer policy. I know everyone questions that because we’ve not done as much as they wish.”

“I’ve done over 400 transfers, and I know every transfer is written. You are not the only person to decide on” as reported by The Daily Mail.

It`s easy to criticize and make assumptions regarding why Wenger is not making transfers but the truth is, there’s more to a player than just what people see on TV or in the news. Maybe Mustafi is not worth £30million+ and maybe Wenger is right to look elsewhere. Apparently there’s a solid alternative coming from Atletico Madrid. Champions League finalist, Jose Gimenez is being scouted by Arsenal who see in him a long-term solution. While Mustafi has the experience of playing for his national team, this 21-year-old Uruguayan has the knowledge and the attitude gained after spending one year playing for Diego Simeone. He is a fighter and one of the most promising players in his position. Gimenez is valued by Atletico at approximately the same amount as Mustafi which makes Wenger’s choice a lot more difficult. The Frenchman is a calculated man and as mentioned in his statement, he has the experience to know if a player is worth that much money or not. It`s unlikely to see a transfer be completed imminently and it is very likely that the Gunners will wait until the last second to actually put pen on paper and bring in someone new. Even with the defensive difficulties encountered by the Londoners, fans will still need to wait and trust that Wenger will keep his word and sign someone new by the 1st of September.