Shkodran Mustafi convinced to make Arsenal move by Germany international team-mate Mesut Ozil

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Shkodran Mustafi says he sought the counsel of fellow German international Mesut Ozil before agreeing his move to Arsenal.

Mustafi's switch from Valencia became one of this summer's more protracted transfer sagas, but the Gunners' move for the former Everton defender is expected to be completed this week.

While the 24-year-old was unable to pick the brains of another member of the London team's German contingent - Per Mertersacker - he did turn to good friend Ozil for the inside track on his new club.

Shkodran Mustafi played for Valencia last week but is now on the verge of moving to Arsenal

Mustafi spoke with Germany team-mate Mesut Ozil before deciding on his transfer to Arsenal

'I did not see Per for a long time because he quit international football but I talked to Mesut,' said Mustafi.

'He told me everything I wanted to know. Everything was positive, so I was convinced very fast. It did not take much.'

Mustafi was further attracted to the Emirates Stadium by the style of football preferred by manager Arsene Wenger.

The 24-year-old was in Spain for two years and he has previously spent time with Everton

 'I have always loved Arsenal, I like how they play here, it is not typical English,' added Mustafi, speaking to Sky Sports Germany.

 'The game here is more like in Spain and with the German national team, keeping the ball on the grass, so it was easy to convince me.'

Ozil delivered a sparkling goalscoring display on what was his first Premier League start of the campaign at Watford on Saturday. The 27-year-old, a £42.5 million buy from Real Madrid in 2013, was given an extended summer break following his involvement at Euro 2016.

Mesut Ozil returned to club action in style, scoring in the Gunners' 3-1 victory at Watford

Germany were beaten by hosts France in the semi-final of the tournament, a match in which Mustafi appeared from the bench. 

His only appearance this term also came as a substitute, Valencia calling on the centre back at half-time in their shock 4-2 home defeat by Las Palmas last week.

Mustafi had a £42million release clause in his deal at the Mestalla Stadium, but Arsenal have agreed a deal worth up to £35million for his services.