Wenger ‘99%’ sure of deals, expected ‘easier’ window

Matt Stead

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are continuing to work on deals for Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez before the end of the transfer window.

Reports on Thursday suggested fees have been agreed for both players, although it has now been suggested Valencia are yet to accept Arsenal’s bid for Germany defender Mustafi.

The Gunners have reportedly agreed a £17million fee for Deportivo striker Perez, but when asked about the two deals at a press conference, Wenger replied: “We are working on the deals, but we are not close enough to announce today.

“I’m 99 per cent confident that we will make a signing. I’m more optimistic than before but I can’t announce anything yet.”

Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka remains the only senior player Arsenal have signed this summer, despite the club being linked with a host of players.

And Wenger admits he has been frustrated by the business he has been able to complete.

“It was a strange transfer market, I expected it to be easier than ever, it has been more difficult than ever,” he added.

“It looks like it will be frenetic in the last three days, everyone has sat on their money but we know they will all splash out now.”