Arsenal transfer news: Shkodran Mustafi on the brink of £20million deal as Arsene Wenger tries to ease defensive injury crisis

ARSENAL are close to forcing through the £20million signing of Shkodran Mustafi – but not in time to face Liverpool.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger faces a defensive injury crisis ahead of the Premier League opener on Sunday with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel missing.

He has moved to try and ease the problem by stepping up the bid to sign Valencia defender Mustafi, and finally looks like getting his man.

The German international was left out of the Spanish club’s pre-season friendly against a Nigerian all-star side last night as negotiations neared a conclusion.

But it is unlikely full terms and a medical will be completed in time for Arsenal to have him available to take on Jurgen Klopp’s side on Sunday.

Wenger has been forced into the transfer market after his plans for the new campaign were wrecked by long-term injury to two of his senior players.

Captain Mertesacker has been ruled out for up to five months with a knee injury sustained in training ahead of the tour to America.

And fellow defender Gabriel suffered ankle ligament damage during the pre-season friendly against Manchester City last week.

That leaves Laurent Koscielny as the only fit senior centre-back at the Emirates, with rookies Calum Chambers and Rob Holding also available.

So Wenger knew he had to dip into the transfer market to bring in someone else – and 24-year-old Mustafi is the ideal fit having impressed during Euro 2016.