Shkodran Mustafi confirms Arsenal move and reveals Ozil influence

Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi has confirmed that he is on his way to Arsenal with Mesut Ozil having had a massive part to play in his decision. The German will join compatriots Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Serge Gnabry at the Emirates after the international break, following his stint with the Germany national team.

A deal worth £35m ($46m) is believed to have been agreed between Arsenal and Valencia and a medical has been completed as confirmed by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. He will be joined by Deportivo la Coruna striker Lucas Perez, all but ending the Gunners' spending for the summer, having already completed deals for Granit Xhaka, Rob Holding and Takuma Asano.

Mustafi revealed that he always had a soft spot for Arsenal given their attractive style of football which made it easy for him to make up his mind over a transfer. The 24-year-old was part of the German squad which travelled to the Euros and is set to partner Laurent Koscielny in the centre of the Gunners' defence.

"I did not see Per for a long time because he quit international football but I talked to Mesut," Mustafi told Sky Sports in Germany. "He told me everything I wanted to know. Everything was positive, so I was convinced very fast. It did not take much.

"I have always loved Arsenal, I like how they play here, it is not typical English. The game here is more like in Spain and with the German national team, keeping the ball on the grass, so it was easy to convince me."

The Gunners have had an unconvincing start to their season, taking only four points from their opening three games, losing to Liverpool on the opening day of the season, but have kickstarted their campaign with a draw and a win over Champions Leicester City and Watford respectively. The Gunners take on Southampton in their next game, with both signings expected to play a part in the fixture.