Shkodran Mustafi said “It’s difficult” when asked if he would be joining Arsenal after the player arrived in England with his club.

The Valencia man has been heavily linked with Arsenal over the past few weeks as Arsene Wenger looks to bring in a central defender because of Per Mertesacker’s injury (and the fact Arsenal needed one anyway).

Asked if he would be signing for Arsenal, the 24-year-old simply replied “It’s difficult.”

I’m not hearing a no!

The question was asked away from a press setting so we have no reason to believe that he was simply delivering a pre-agreed press line. Even if he was, if there were no truth to the links, he could have quite easily denied it.

Germany's defender Shkodran Mustafi (R) celebrates with Germany's midfielder Mesut Oezil after scoring a goal during the Euro 2016 group C football match between Germany and Ukraine at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq near Lille on June 12, 2016. / AFP / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)
Germany’s defender Shkodran Mustafi (R) celebrates with Germany’s midfielder Mesut Oezil after scoring a goal during the Euro 2016 group C football match between Germany and Ukraine at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq near Lille on June 12, 2016. / AFP / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images)

What is causing it to be difficult?

Well on that we can only speculate.

Press reports claim that Valencia have turned down an Arsenal bid of £15m for the player.

They’re allegedly holding out for another £5m for the German international which sounds like a bit of a bargain today, especially when you consider that Everton want £50m for John ‘English premium’ Stones.

Valencia are in England as part of their pre-season preparations.

They will face Bournemouth on Wednesday evening before heading to London to play Crystal Palace on 6th August.