Since Per Mertesacker’s injury, it seems Arsenal’s hunt for a new centre-back has gone up a gear and the main target, according to the European media, happens to be Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi.
The German centre-back has been highlighted by Arsène Wenger as the best substitute for his BFG, with Sky Sports in Germany, relayed by SuperDeporte, saying the London club have opened negotiations about a transfer.
The German broadcaster says the Premier League side have contacted the player’s agents and are ready to make their interest official with a bid to Valencia.
Sky Sports Germany state the player’s agents will travel to Valencia to speak with their client’s current club to see if they can get him a move to England.
While it’s been made clear the player’s release clause stands at €50m, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will meet that, with the German TV channel reporting a fee of €30m + €10m in performance related bonuses a more likely offer.
Things seem to be moving fast here, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for it as things develop.
