It looks as if Arsenal are one step closer to securing Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia, after they submitted an official offer for the 24-year-old.
The Gunners have been stalling a move for the German international as they look to hold back funds for a possible landmark striker towards the end of the transfer window.
But according to various reports it looks as if the North London side are close to announcing their new man, with TalkSport taking a story from Gazzetta Dello Sport claiming an official bid of £25.8m has been received by Valencia.
The La Liga side are desperate to not let their star defender go this summer, but in order to comply with financial fair play laws they need money fast to balance the books.
Arsenal’s injury crisis has served Valencia well and in an attempt to hold out for as much money as possible, they’ve been playing hard ball since the Gunners made their feelings known.
Sky Sport’s Spanish football expert Guillem Balague took to Twitter to clear up the reports, stating that the deal is now in Arsene Wenger’s hands due to the circumstances.
He believes that Valencia have been holding out for €40m but Arsenal don’t believe that price tag is justified, so they have kept their options open despite Mustafi agreeing personal terms.
Various reports have suggested the centre back is ready to make the switch, and it looks as if this reported bid of £25.8m will be the first and last from Wenger.
He’s already got options should the deal fall through, with Simon Kjaer and Omer Toprak rated as capable alternatives, however that would not sit well with the impatient Arsenal fan-base.
They’ve been waiting for Mustafi to come through the door for a month now, and any sign of that deal failing would point directly to Wenger’s inability to pay the asking price.
This weekend will make it two opening Premier League games where Wenger has failed to bring in a player to make up for the loss of three first team centre-backs.
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