Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Mauro Icardi, Shkodran Mustafi Rumours

Napoli have reportedly moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, while Valencia have so far rebuked every club that has shown an interest in signing defender Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Express' Joe Short), the Gunners have already met with Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, and speculation linking the Argentinian with a move to the Emirates Stadium has been virtually constant in the last few weeks.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Napoli have reportedly identified Icardi as Gonzalo Higuain's replacement, however, and are willing to meet Inter's staggering valuation of £50 million. The report also states the San Siro club have already made an offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Edinson Cavani, who would replace Icardi.

Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini didn't sound too hopeful his captain would stay when he was recently asked about the ongoing transfer saga, via Gazetta World:

"

Roberto Mancini: "Mauro Icardi is our captain. I don’t know what can happen in the future, but he is the captain." pic.twitter.com/dPBRuq9YSj

— GazzettaWorld (@GazzettaWorld) August 1, 2016"

Higuain's move to Juventus has set off a minor chain reaction, with several clubs now seemingly scrambling to find the perfect striker. Napoli need a replacement, and Icardi, who is proven in the notoriously defensive Serie A, would be the perfect signing.

As shared by WhoScored.com, the 23-year-old's scoring record has been just fine the last two seasons:

Tony Stenson of the Daily Star Sunday previously reported Icardi is Arsenal's back-up target in case the move for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette falls through. The Frenchman is but the latest striker linked with the Gunners, who haven't had any luck finding suitable competition for Olivier Giroud in the last couple of seasons.

Arsenal's struggles with adding the right attacking help has become something of a joke on social media, and TheFootballRepublic couldn't help but take a potshot at the club:

The reported fee of £50 million for Icardi is absurdly high―he's scored more than 20 goals just once in Serie A―but forwards always come at a premium, and prices have soared this summer.

A move for Lacazette seems more likely, however, and given the figures involved, it would be a smarter investment as well.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Superdeporte (h/t the Daily Star's Jamie Styles) has weighed in on the ongoing saga surrounding Valencia star Mustafi, reporting that the club has told all interested clubs the Germany international will not be leaving.

Mustafi has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury, and the Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon previously reported Valencia told the British club their asking price:

The 24-year-old moved to Spain from Sampdoria after impressing during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but Los Che have hit a major rough patch in that span, leading to the speculation.

Mustafi has become a regular starter for Germany's national team, and he's too good not to be playing UEFA Champions League football on a regular basis.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror believes he would be excellent value for the reported asking price:

Valencia could do with a financial injection to turn their squad around, particularly if they find a club willing to pay a fee close to Mustafi's buyout clause. One has to assume a deal could be done, but the reported fee of €25 million (roughly £21 million) is too low for their liking, which is why they're turning away clubs.

With a full month left in the summer transfer window, this is one situation that's likely to be resolved before long.