Former Arsenal boss George Graham says Shkodran Mustafi's arrival has transformed the team into genuine title challengers.
Graham's two title-winning sides of 1989 and 1991 – and his Cup Winners Cup team from 1994 – were founded on the formidable defence, including Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn, that Wenger would go on to inherit when he took over in 1996.
“It's not a secret is it, that they've needed more toughness, more mentally strong players," Graham told the London Evening News. “I'm sure Arsene has been after a centre half for a few years, but there aren't many great ones about.
“Early days, but I like what I see of Mustafi – typical German defender, physically tough, mentally strong. Hopefully he is the one. He was excellent against Diego Costa. Hopefully they've got the toughness now and they can have a real go – not just in the Premier League but in Europe because what I would love, more than anything, is to see Arsenal win the Champions League.
“I thought they were the best team in Europe around the Invincibles season. They were phenomenal. They had it all – power, strength, beautiful football."
