According to sports journalist, Emanuele Giulianelli, Arsenal are looking to buy centre-back, Shkodran Mustafi, from Valencia.
The 24-year-old German made a total of 30 La Liga appearances last season and it was unusual for him not to play a full match. However, according to Giulianelli, he’s not a priority for us – we’re trying to get a striker signed first and we’re still very interested in Inter Milan’s Jeison Murillo.
Last week contacts between Arsenal and the agent of Shkodran Mustafi, German defender. #AFC
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) July 25, 2016
Obviously Mustafi isn't the big deal. He's an option for CB – though Murillo remains a target. Club want to get forward sorted first #AFC
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) July 25, 2016
What to believe? On one hand, we do appear to be in the market for one or two defenders, especially now that Per Mertesacker has potentially been ruled out for five months. However, Giulianelli isn’t the most reliable source.
Other outlets have since jumped on the rumour, although it’s unclear whether they have any other sources or whether they’re just copying Giulianelli.
Look like Arsenal are after defender Shkodran Mustafi. The German plays for Valencia
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) July 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/HomeBayern_/status/757905571920109568
As we always say, we’ll see what unfolds in the coming days.