The German struggled to perform last season
Arsenal endured an underwhelming season as they failed to win any silverware in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign. They finished 6th in the Premier League, reached the Carabao Cup final and the Europa League semi-final.
Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager of the Gunners and is charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.
The Spaniard is expected to be busy in the summer transfer window in order to strengthen the squad for next season. He has been told by the club’s board he will have to operate under a restricted transfer budget of £50 million during his first summer in charge at the Emirates.
Despite limits on what they can spend, the Premier League giants have already completed the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer. They have wasted little time having struck a deal to sign Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira for £26 million.
Reports in Germany suggesting there is also an agreement to bring Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno to north London and Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is also expected to be confirmed in July for a reported fee of £16 million.
But the English side may have to sell their few players this summer in order to fund for further signings. According to the Evening Standard, Shkordan Mustafi is one name in contention to leave under the new regime.
The defender joined Arsenal for a reported fee to be in excess of £35 million in 2016. He started off brilliantly and was looking like a bargain signing.
The Germany International was a regular starter last season, starting 38 games in all competitions but endured a troublesome campaign. His subsequent regression has been alarming and is considered one of the weak links in their defense.
Head of recruitment Sven Mislintat has doubts over the 26 year old and new manager is in the market for another centre-back.
Read Also: Top 5 Arsenal transfer targets summer 2018
