It seemed like Arsenal could be bracing themselves for life without Shkodran Mustafi after Valencia agreed a deal to sell Paco Alcacer to Barcelona for £30m.

With Valencia desperate to hang on to Mustafi, the one thing that was going in Arsenal’s favour was that the Spanish side needed the money, but with the news that Barcelona have struck a deal with their La Liga rivals for their striker, Alcacer, Valencia now have significantly less need to sell.

If true, this would back up claims that Arsenal are closing in on Omer Toprak instead who is available and whose club have already signed a replacement for.

But, then the Ornacle arrived

Valencia are also believed to be close to signing Sidnei from Deportivo who is reportedly about to have a medical.

This in itself does not tell us that Valencia are preparing for life without Mustafi but it doesn’t rule it out either.