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Mustafi to Arsenal?

Ross DunbarAugust 12, 2016

Arsenal and Valencia are in negotiations over a transfer for the central defender. Mustafi would be the Gunners' second high-profile signing from the Bundesliga following the arrival of Granit Xhaka.

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Paul Achleitner Porträt München Shkodran Mustafi Antonio Rüdiger
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/R. Ibing

Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi is edging closer to moving to Premier League giants Arsenal, with media reports claiming the two clubs are continung negotiations.

The 24-year-old was part of Germany's European Championship squad and scored in the group stage win over Ukraine. Mustafi's career has been somewhat unorthodox, the player moving to Everton at the age of 17 and eventually to Serie A side Sampdoria where he made his professional debut.

Since joining Valencia in 2014, Mustafi has impressed in Spain's top division. Arsenal are facing a selection headache ahead of the Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday. Per Mertesacker is injured, while Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista is expected to be out for three months.

Valencia, it seems, are happy to deal with the Gunners given the La Liga side's failure to qualify for Europe last year. Reports claim Valencia are holding out for a fee of around 35 million euros ($39 million) for Mustafi, who cost Los Che eight million euros two years ago.

Although Ali Bulut told German sports website Spox that the two clubs had agreed personal terms, "The Guardian" has thrown cold water on those reports, noting the bewilderment of the two clubs when asked about a potential agreement. A deal appears to still be a way off with the Spanish club ready to begin preparations for the season opener against Las Palmas in two weeks from Monday.