If you were ever in need of a sign that Arsenal are wrapping up a transfer, then the player himself training alone is usually a pretty good sign.
Reports from Squawka suggest that Shkodran Mustafi is now training alone as he waits for his move to the Gunners to be completed, with both clubs still arguing over a transfer fee.
It’s believed that Mustafi has already sorted personal terms with Arsenal and having agreed to a five-year contract is holding out to hear the good news.
Spanish football’s expert journalist Guillem Balague has since suggested that Valencia will settle for £26million, but the ball is now in Arsene Wenger’s court.
However, it looks as if the North London side are ready to hand over the cash after insisting Mustafi trains on his own to ensure the chances of picking up an injury are minimal.
This has been one of the most complicated transfers for Arsenal to get over the line, but it looks to be entering its final stages and fans are hopeful something can be completed before the weekend.
Shkodran Mustafi trained alone in ‘the cage’ today as talk of a move to Arsenal intensifies. #afcpic.twitter.com/40anK9aZ3q
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 16, 2016
Valencia aren’t exactly keen to sell their star man but money is needed to balance the books, and the decreased figure from Mustafi’s £42m is to comply with financial fair-play rules.
The 24-year-old returned from the Euro’s with a slight knock and is now ensuring he does everything to be ready to slot into the Arsenal starting XI as soon as possible.
Although it might not seem it, Mustafi is the one pushing for this transfer to go through now and his relationship with Valencia chiefs seems to have gone down the toilet.
That’s why he’s been training on his own for the past week, and having been left out of the squad for their final two pre-season friendlies it seems like it’s only a matter of time.
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