Arsenal are yet to make a decision over Shkodran Mustafi’s future, but Barcelona are ‘still interested’ in signing the German.
Reports yesterday claimed that the Spanish giants were in negotiations over a move for Mustafi, with Ronald Koeman keen to add to his defensive having lost Gerard Pique to a long-term injury.
Barcelona’s interest was confirmed by Mustafi’s agent Emre Ozturk, who, when looking to clear up confusion about another of his clients, revealed he had been spotted at the Nou Camp because he was negotiating over Mustafi.
That was then covered by the Spanish press today, with Sport reporting that things aren’t as serious as first presented.
This was further supported by Mundo Deportivo, who say sourced confirmed a meeting with Ozturk, who made the trip to offer the Arsenal man to them.
That meeting, though, was a ‘simple courtesy summit’ rather than there being any serious negotiations about a transfer.
SportBILD journalist Christian Falk has now poured more cold water on the situation, claiming that Ozturk is ‘not authorised’ to negotiate for Mustafi.
Not true ❌ Emre Ozturk is not authorized to negotiate for Mustafi True: @FCBarcelona is still interested in Mustafi. No decision yet @Arsenal https://t.co/yM9ybwknRe
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) December 24, 2020
He also insists that there has been ‘no decision’ at Arsenal as yet, although Barcelona are ‘still interested’ in the centre back.
All in all, it seems to be the usual agent games ahead of January. It’s clear Mustafi has no place at Arsenal and securing a move makes sense for all parties.
Ozturk is therefore pushing to try and make that happen, with the prospect of a move to the Nou Camp obviously one he’d pursue with vigour.
What he clearly wasn’t supposed to was make it all public, something it seems Barcelona are now keen to cover their tracks on and hush up as quickly as they can.
