Arsene Wenger has hailed new boy, Shkodran Mustafi’s, fearless attitude and claims that the German international was keen to join the Gunners when he heard about our interest.

Speaking after the defender completed his move to north London, the boss explained what we can expect from the 24-year-old now that he’s finally here.

“We needed a centre back because of the long-term injuries we have,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“He has already played in Italy, he has already played in Spain and he has played with the German national team.

“He is a very intelligent boy, that was important in my decision as well. He is very focused as I told you, and he knows the rigorous climate of the Premier League and how much you have to fight for every game.

“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.

“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.”

It’s good to hear that Mustafi wanted to sign for Arsenal. He had a pretty sweet time at Valencia – he was a key player – and he’s bound to face more of a challenge (quite literally) in the Premier League. However, as Wenger claims, he’s not scared.

Hopefully, the player is prepared for everything English football throws at him, from the intensity to the physicality. It’s different from La Liga. However, he’s in the German national team alongside Mesut Ozil, who he’s friends with. I’m sure the playmaker has given him a bit of a briefing ahead of his inclusion in the squad.

*Chambers is now on loan at Middlesbrough.