In possibly one of the most annoying transfer rumours of the summer, Shkodran Mustafi may or may not be about to sign for Arsenal. Depending on who you believe.
The Valencia defender has been heavily linked with a move to north London with reports claiming that we’re edging closer, although if we edge any further surely we’ll be in the poor bloke’s lap?
The issue is, some reliable sources are claiming that we’re signing him and soon, while other reliable sources are saying we won’t.
Spanish newspaper Marca with an update on Mustafi deal in newspaper today.
Says all agreed but Valencia waiting for bid from Arsenal.
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) August 15, 2016
Something that we found strange was the fact that, if the above is true, Valencia have allowed their player to talk to Arsenal before negotiating with us first. Although tapping up does happen, it’s not allowed, so you’d have to wonder how this could happen so publicly.
What’s more, according to Radio Taronja, Valencia have told them that the deal isn’t happening.
Desde el Valencia nos dicen que, salvo sorpresa, el Arsenal NO va a fichar a MUSTAFI. Que no están, ni mucho menos, cerca de conseguirlo.
— Radio Taronja (@RadioTaronja) August 15, 2016
Then we have Sky Sports saying we’re signing Mustafi for £28m!
Arsenal deal to sign £28m Mustafi getting closer. Will be great signing. Germans say he's one of their best defenders after Hummels, Boateng
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 15, 2016
Told #efc yet to bid for Abdennour. Interest there but feels like fall-back option. Valencia unlikely to let him & Mustafi leave this window
— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) August 15, 2016
The Ornacle also reckons all systems are go, except we’re haggling over the price in order to hold back funds for a striker…
Arsenal yet to agree fee for Mustafi. #AFC considering Omer Toprak & Simon Kjaer as alternatives but Mustafi remains priority & keen to join
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 15, 2016
Price the issue. Arsenal want to hold back funds for possible striker signing. #AFC transfer budget factors in fee, salary, agent commission
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) August 15, 2016