Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, although no offer has been made to the La Liga outfit as of yet.
The Gunners were rocked last week with the news that Per Mertesacker will be sidelined with a long-term injury, and in turn that has forced Arsene Wenger to look for a new defender.
While the French tactician has already brought in Rob Holding from Bolton this summer, he’ll certainly need another senior player to cover the absence and ensure that his side aren’t vulnerable at the back for the start of the new Premier League season.
According to Sky Sports, Mustafi has a release clause of £42.1m in his contract with Los Che, but it’s claimed that Arsenal would be able to sign him for £25.3m plus a further £8.4m in add-ons.
Whether or not the 24-year-old is worth that kind of money is up for debate, but he’s certainly come a long way since his days at Everton as he’s developed into a top defender during spells in Italy and Spain and in turn has made 12 appearances for Germany.
A new defender is now imperative for Wenger as he has just Laurent Kosicelny and Gabriel as his only two senior centre-halves, with the French ace falling behind in terms of fitness after being given an extended break following Euro 2016.
In turn, it will be reassuring for Arsenal supporters to learn that their manager is perhaps being active in the market, but the longer he leaves it, the more frustration and anxiety will build.
Meanwhile, it comes as the Gunners have yet to strengthen in another key area up front, as Granit Xhaka remains their only big-name signing this summer.
Mustafi would certainly be a welcome addition for most, particularly in the current circumstances, but with the new Premier League campaign fast approaching, Arsenal supporters will be hoping that he isn’t the only new arrival should he complete a deal to move to north London.