Wenger coy over Mustafi as £2m Holding makes a good impression

ARSENE WENGER is keeping tightlipped over his chances of signing German international Shkodran Mustafi despite his pledge to sign an experienced defender before the start of the season.

The Arsenal manager is without skipper Per Mertesacker until early next year after knee surgery while Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny are both struggling to make the start of the season, too.

That leaves the Gunners with just Calum Chambers and impressive new signing Rob Holding as recognised centre-backs for the opening-day visit of Liverpool in just under two weeks. Valencia centre-back Mustafi is the hot favourite to replace Mertesacker with West Brom’s Jonny Evans also linked over the weekend.

But Wenger was giving nothing away before the team flew home after two games in California.

He said: “We have not closed any deal with anybody at the moment. That is basically the answer. If you speak about Mustafi or anyone else, we haven’t concluded anything. I can understand you want answers but I am not ready to come out on any names.

“We have Gabriel and Mertesacker out and Koscielny still on holiday. So we have a look at everybody and one of them might play from the start of the season.”

The 20-year-old captured from Bolton has slotted in effortlessly into the defence and was mobbed by his team-mates after scoring the opening goal in their comfortable 3-1 win over Mexican champions Chivas here last night.

Holding has yet to spend any time in London following his whirlwind £2million move just over a week ago. The quietly spoken Mancunian was joined on the scoresheet by the impressive Alex OxladeChamberlain and Chuba Akpom, before Chivas scored a late penalty.

Holding was the only Arsenal man to play 90 minutes and he said: “I’m settling in quickly but I’ve only been here a week and a half and am pinching myself.

“The difference is the sheer size of Arsenal and I’ve noticed it on this trip to the States. People are shouting for the players wherever we go.

“This is what I wanted. I am looking forward to getting the chance to play against big names in front of massive crowds.”

Wenger added: “I am impressed by his performances and by his capacity to adapt very quickly to a higher level.

“He shows intelligence, composure and character which you don’t often see.”