With Arsenal’s deal for Shkodran Mustafi looking like it could go the way of so many others before it, the media started linking with Arsenal with a move for Omer Toprak who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen.

The player, according to reports in Germany, is on the wishlist of Borussia Dortmund who have declined to buy him this summer opting to try and land him for €12m next summer when his buyout clause activates.

Arsenal, meanwhile, would have to pay significantly more than that if they want him this summer, something Dortmund are not willing to do, but if he is a player Arsenal want/need then they simply cannot afford to wait 12 months just to pick up a bargain.

Toprak does seem to be a viable back up plan for Arsenal but they will be hoping they are able to persuade Valencia to let Mustafi go, something they are going to have to flex their financial muscle to do.

The player’s friend and former teammate seems to think he’s on his way, so who knows.