Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for German international Shkodran Mustafi, after an injury to Per Mertesacker ruled him out for several months.
However, the Gunners could face competition from a few sides, and it was also reported Chelsea are lurking around for Mustafi. According to AS on Friday, Chelsea have already moved one step ahead of Arsenal, and had a bid of €30m rejected by Valencia.
AS say Valencia could listen to offers around €40m for Mustafi, who has a release clause of €50m. Arsenal’s interest is also reported, but AS have mostly quoted the English media, and don’t have anything to add on their own.
Indeed, generally the reporting in Spain around Mustafi to Arsenal seems at least partly inspired by the British media. Claims of an €18m offer, were nonsense from Twitter’s infamous Emanuele Giulianelli, and yesterday it was reported in Spain that Arsenal have made no bid whatsoever.
AC Milan are also reportedly interested in Mustafi, and potential new owners could help fund a deal.
It is reported Jorge Mendes is acting as an intermediary for AC Milan, but it’d be interesting to see if the Serie A giants can convince Mustafi. Regardless, nothing could be done until a change of ownership happens, which would still be some way away.
The Mustafi to AC Milan reports are boosted by a Gazzetta dello Sport article on Thursday, which we read. That was simply linking potential players with Milan in the event of a takeover.
We’re not entirely convinced about the Chelsea offer either. Indeed, as it stands, AC Milan are in the long grass, Arsenal seems an obvious destination but Arsene Wenger hasn’t made his move, and Chelsea are lurking and ready to irritate their London rivals.
There’s every possibility, and perhaps it’s the most likely scenario, that absolutely nothing has happened yet.
