Days ago, we reported that Germany and Valencia centre-back, Shkodran Mustafi, was being linked with a move to Arsenal and it appears these rumours are gathering pace at an alarming rate.

We dug into the rumours to see where this came from and what the chances of it actually happening are.

What we know

After Per Mertesacker was ruled out for up to five months, our hunt for another defender has become a little more desperate. We’ve signed Rob Holding but we already needed another addition before the BFG was ruled out, which means we’re still lacking despite our new man.

Although we didn’t pay the Mustafi rumours any mind at first since they appeared to come from journalist Emanuele Giulianelli – not the most reliable – other outlets and sources have begun to pick up on the story as well.

Valencia Extra are claiming that we’ve even held talks with the German and that he’s worth €25m.

  • So, we know that we need a centre-back and are on the hunt for one.
  • Valencia are reportedly willing to sell, for a price.
  • That the defender has been called up for pre-season.
  • He’s contracted with Valencia until June 2019.
  • Last season he made 30 La Liga appearances (scored two; assisted one).

We also know that Kike Marin says there’s no interest from our side for Mustafi, which means there probably is. Just kidding. Sort of.

What we don’t know

If there is actually any interest from Arsenal.

Whether we’re in talks with Valencia.

Whether he wants to leave.

It seems like just a load of media hot air right now with no actual sources from either side saying anything. But still, stay tuned.