Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he hopes he can complete the signing of Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi ‘will be done’ before the transfer deadline.

The Gunners have recently opened talks with Valencia in the hope of capturing the Germany international to strengthen their defence.

Mustafi had subsequently agreed to the move, with negotiations ongoing over the transfer fee. Mustafi is valued at around £30-million but it is understood Arsenal are trying to negotiate less, according to SkySports.

The 66-year-old manager revealed that Mustafi is one of their targets they would like to sign before the transfer window end.

‘Mustafi? We hope it will be done  He is one of a number of players we are looking at. Negotiations are ongoing,’ Wenger said.

Arsenal have had issues in defence with Per Mertesacker out wth a long-term injury and Gabriel Paulista, who has been ruled out of up to six weeks.

The Gunners have already completed the signing of 20-year-old defender Rob Holding from Bolton and Wenger praised his performance at the King Power Stadium, while Poland youngster Krystian Bielik is also being developed as a centre back.

Since joining Valencia from Serie A side Sampdoria in 2014, Mustafi has scored six goals and assisted a further three from 80 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga side.

Image: Valencia website