Barcelona have been in contact with Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi about a move in the January transfer window.
That’s according to SportBILD, who provide their own take on one of the more sensational transfer rumours in recent weeks.
Recent reports have indicated that Barcelona are looking at the German centre back in January, having identified the need for a new defender following the loss of Gerard Pique.
Reports claimed that Mustafi was on their list, with it believed he is being eyed as a cheap option given his contract at Arsenal expires in the summer.
This was then confirmed by his agent, who admitted that he had been to the Nou Camp to discuss a potential move.
Those comments were quickly picked up around the world and caused something of a stir, something Barcelona then looked to quash with several reports in the Spanish press pouring cold water on the idea.
This was reciprocated in Germany, with SportBILD journalist Christian Falk denying the suggestions and even claiming the agent in question was not authorised to deal with a transfer.
He did say, though, that Barcelona were interested and his newspaper back up that claim somewhat in their coverage.
They say there was ‘contact’ between Mustafi and Barcelona ‘a few weeks ago’ but do not make clear what that was or if they’ve spoken since.
However, their belief is that a transfer ‘could become concrete’ in the January transfer window, with Mustafi a ‘cheap’ option given his contract expiring.
Likewise, Arsenal are unlikely to ‘put big stones’ in the way of a possible deal given Mustafi isn’t in Mikel Arteta’s plans and they could do with the money to secure their own signings.
The tone from the newspaper is very much suggesting this is a deal that could happen, it’s certainly been discussed at least, and is one to keep a close eye on moving into January as a result.
