Arsenal are prepared to hold talks with Valencia over signing Shkodran Mustafi, according to reports.
Wenger has stepped up his search for a centre back following Mertesacker’s long term injury, the defender is currently sidelined until at least next year. Gabriel is also struggling with a minor injury and with Koscielny set to miss the beginning of the season, Wenger knows he is short of options at the back.
The French tactician has now moved to sign Valencia’s Mustafi and according to the Sun via the Daily Express, Arsenal will hold talks with Valencia director Jesus Garcia Pitarch to discuss the possibility of signing the defender.
The report claims the player has a £42m release clause but Valencia would be open to selling the 24 year old for around £20m.
The player reportedly wants to join Arsenal and should Wenger be able to reach an agreement with the Spanish club, he would happily move to North London.
Valencia are looking to balance their books and are also open to the idea of selling the player.
Wenger is also keeping tabs on West Brom’s defender Johnny Evans as he attempts to sign a centre back before the season begins next weekend. Should he not be able to sign a defender before then, we would have to rely on Calum Chambers and Rob Holdings to face Liverpool on the opening weekend of the season.
