Arsenal look to have made two steps forward and one step back, as their hunt to track down a centre back in time for the new Premier League season goes on.
Reports are breaking today that the Gunners have had an initial €18m offer rejected by Valencia for Shkodran Mustafi, who raised eyebrows following his Euro 2016 performance.
That offer comes following a number of links to the 24-year-old, who joined up with his club teammates on Monday to take part in a light pre-season training session.
And according to Spanish news outlet, Plaza Deportiva, the Gunners have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the centre back, with that opening bid being rejected immediately.
You’ll have to translate that above link, but the general idea of the story is that Arsenal are confirmed to be interested in the defender, whilst suggesting another bid is imminent.
Despite their reluctancy to sell, you can understand why that opening offer has been turned down, it roughly equates to £15m and Mustafi’s reported release clause is just under triple that.
Whilst Valencia aren’t willing to part with their star defender, they have to consider selling up some players to continue to balance the books.
It’s a classic to-and-fro case as it always is with Arsenal, who will most likely continue to press for Mustafi as the new season countdown continues, but they won’t want to overpay.
Valencia on the other hand are keen to hold out for every penny they can get, but selling is more than likely and both clubs would like to get this one signed, sealed and delivered.
Sadly it looks like another waiting game for Arsenal fans, but the failed bid does show that there is some good progression underway at the club before they set off for Scandinavia.
Wenger is keen to get an experienced head in between the back-four following the long-term injury suffered by Per Mertesacker, whilst Laurent Koscielny will miss the start of the season.
Mustafi is currently in England as Valencia take on Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in their final preparations before the 2015/16 campaign gets underway next weekend.
Whilst Wenger struggles to get this one over the line, the boss of Alexandre Lacazette has revealed this stunning confession as the saga hots up.
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