Arsenal are expected to complete deals for the La Liga duo in the coming days.
Paul Merson – All Stars XI
Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul Merson has labelled Arsenal’s moves for Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez as panic buys.
The Gunners look set to complete a move for the La Liga duo in the coming days, with BBC Sport reporting that they are both due to undergo medicals on Friday.
The German international has been brought in to help solve their current defensive crisis, while Perez is being added to prove stern competition for Olivier Giroud.
Germany’s Shkodran Mustafi reacts after missing a chance to score
The deals come as welcome news to the club’s fans, who have grown increasingly angry at Arsene Wenger’s failure to spend money in the summer transfer window.
Some have questioned whether the players are good enough, though, and Merson has admitted his own doubts by saying that he thinks both are desperate moves.
“I think they’re panic buys,” he told Sky Sports.
“Mustafi plays for Germany, he’s an international, but why didn’t they sign him before the tournament started? It’s all last-minute. It’s too panicky.”
Deportivo striker Lucas Perez
It will now be interesting to see whether these two signings are good enough to transform Arsenal into genuine title contenders this season.
Many would suggest not, especially compared to the likes of Manchester United, who have brought in the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.
Indeed, the general consensus is very similar to Merson’s and the pressure is very much on the duo to prove the doubters wrong.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
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