Arsenal’s interest in Shkodran Mustafi has been widely reported in Spain. We were asked to take a look at the local papers, and after a few claims, but we could see that not all the Valencia websites seem to have original information about the subject.
The first article was published by Plaza Deportiva. They have a really complete story, saying Arsenal have contacted the Spanish club in order to know Mustafi’s transfer situation.
Despite covering all the facts in six well written paragraphs, it’s only mentioned once that the claims about Arsenal’s contact are from “several English outlets”, which doesn’t discredit their information, but means they don’t have much to add to the story.
Super Deporte also have their take, but they make it very explicit that their information is from the Daily Star. It’s a story about Arsenal contacting the defender’s agent, which can be found here. However, the Daily Star’s article is actually based on claims from notorious Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli. he of Karim Benzema fame.
The best story we found is from El Desmarque, as they are using their own information.
The website says that Mustafi is Arsenal’s favourite option to sign a defender this summer, as the English side are desperate for a man to replace Per Mertesacker during his injury lay-off.
However, despite the interest, El Desmarque says that Valencia are still to receive a bid for the 24-year-old. Neither Arsenal nor any other clubs have made offers so far.
Although selling André Gomes to Barcelona gave Valencia a good profit, El Desmarque says the club would still need to sell at least one more player to fit in the Financial Fair Play. That’s why, despite not wanting to let Mustafi go, he would still be one of the names who could give them all the money needed in just one sale.
All the Valencia papers agree that the player’s desire is to leave the Spanish club soon. The lack of offers is what is stopping him, so if Arsenal are really going for it, it seems to be a very comfortable situation for the Gunners.
