Wenger happy with defensive options

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal have built a strong defence for years to come after securing the signing of German international Shkodran Mustafi.

The 24-year-old, who was part of Germany’s World Cup winning squad in 2014, joined from Valencia last month and could make his debut against Southampton after the international break.

Wenger faced criticism from Gunners fans for not being proactive enough in the market, but the Frenchman believes the arrival of Mustafi leaves Arsenal in great shape moving forwards.

“We have Chambers who is around 20 and Mustafi who is now 24, Gabriel who is 27 and after that we have the more experienced players like Koscielny and Mertesacker. We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future,” he said.

Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

“I know as well he is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. That is important for us, and all this quality made me decide to try and get him.

“The player wanted to join us as well, and I think he will hopefully be happy here and will enforce our squad. It puts us in a good position.

“The fact he decided to join us shows he was certainly conscious of what was expected of him. We will not have a bad surprise and that shows you as well that he is not scared to take a challenge on.”