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Jens Lehmann surprised by Arsenal move for Shkodran Mustafi

Germany's Shkodran Mustafi reacts after missing a chance to score (Reuters)
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The defender joined the Gunners from Valencia this summer.

Germany's Shkodran Mustafi reacts after missing a chance to score

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has told Goal he is surprised the club spent big money on defender Shkodran Mustafi.

The German international joined the Gunners from Valencia this summer as one of three major signings by Arsene Wenger.

They paid big money to the La Liga side for his services after weeks of negotiations.

The move came as something of a surprise given Wenger’s unwillingness to spend big sums on players for a number of years.

Germany's Shkodran Mustafi and Italy's Simone Zaza in action

And Lehmann has admitted that he was surprised that his former side paid such a big fee for his compatriot.

“It’s unlike Arsenal to sign a defender for almost €40m – I’m surprised,” he told Goal.

“I think he’s probably the most successful manager in making money for the club. He’s always taken part in the Champions League, buying cheap and selling expensive.”

Picture Supplied by Action Images

It remains to be seen if Mustafi proves value for money for Arsenal this season.

The pressure is very much on him, with the club’s fans having demanded that big money be spent on a new centre back for a number of years.

They have now done that on Mustafi and will have to prove quickly that he is not only worth the money they have paid, but is also the defender that their side has long been missing.

Picture Supplied by Action Images