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Report: Arsenal's hefty bids accepted for Mustafi, Perez

Reuters

To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.

Arsene Wenger has heard your protestations, and he's reaching deep into his pockets to quell them.

The Gunners are reportedly set to strengthen two significant areas of need, as Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph reports bids for both defender Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez have been accepted.

Related - Report: Arsenal poised to pilfer Everton's move for Perez

Arsenal will reportedly pay Valencia £35 million to secure the services of German international centre-back Mustafi, while the north London club will fork over £17 million to obtain the Spanish attacker Perez from Deportivo.

Wenger has been the subject of heavy criticism in recent years for his inability to strengthen obvious areas of need, but the potential signings of the two La Liga-based players should see those concerns swiftly dismissed.

For one window, at least.

The capture of Mustafi, 24, would signal a considerable upgrade on Arsenal's current choices alongside stalwart Laurent Koscielny; the Frenchman has been handed the unenviable task of playing beside the plodding Per Mertesacker and reckless Gabriel Paulista in recent seasons, often left to anchor the backline by his lonesome.

Calum Chambers and Rob Holding may well develop into quality defenders, but the young Englishmen aren't the immediate answer for a side with aspirations of challenging for titles on multiple fronts.

Perez, meanwhile, signals an obvious intent from Wenger to push Arsenal over the edge this season, while also offering incumbent striker Olivier Giroud both competition and potential rest during a grueling campaign.

The Spaniard, 27, broke out last year at the Estadio Riazor, finding the net 17 times and adding eight assists in 36 La Liga appearances. Pacey on the break and adept at finding spaces behind the backline to run into, the well-travelled forward could potentially feast playing for a side that employs assist machine Mesut Ozil and quality passers like Santi Cazorla.

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