Arsenal may have splashed out £35million on a star name at centre-back but it appears Shkodran Mustafi might be able to do a job for them up front.
The German international made his debut for Arsenal last week against Southampton and has enjoyed a tough introduction to life at his new side, struggling in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Paris St Germain.
Mustafi remains a highly-rated centre-back but it could have been very different for the 24-year-old, who a decade ago was plying his trade as a striker.
Speaking on the official Arsenal website Mustafi said: "When I started, I started as a striker.
Arsenal's most expensive transfers
"When I was only 14, I signed for Hamburg and slowly went all the way back to the defence.
"I played in front of the defence for a few games and then in the end I ended up being a central defender. Then I got a call up for the national team, for the Under-15s at this time, and then it became my position.
"I'm happy now [to be a defender] because otherwise I don't know if I would be here."
Perhaps Mustafi will be a threat for Arsenal in the box over the coming months; the World Cup winner scored a creditable six goals in 64 La Liga appearances at Valencia.
MORE ABOUT