Arsenal Transfer News: Shkodran Mustafi Reportedly Agrees Terms, Latest Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly had a "breakthrough in negotiations" over a £20 million move for Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi, but manager Arsene Wenger has said the Gunners will not have a new centre-back in place for their match with Liverpool on Sunday.

According to Oliver Kay and Gary Jacob of the Times, the talks over the German are "progressing," while Sky in Germany (h/t Sky Sports News HQ) reported that the player has agreed to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Sky Sports' Marc Behrenbeck noted the Gunners are hoping to finalise the deal with Los Che:

However, with the start of the season fast approaching, Wenger told TalkSport: "We are short on the experience front and this, centre-back, is a position where experience plays an important part. Of course we will look to add, we are working on it, but until Sunday I have to find an internal solution and an efficient solution."

Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker are both injured, while Laurent Koscielny is lacking fitness after an extended holiday following France's progression to the final of UEFA Euro 2016.

While it will hardly be ideal taking on Liverpool with a centre-back pairing that could consist of new boy Rob Holding and 21-year-old Calum Chambers, if Arsenal are able to recruit Germany international Mustafi, their defence will look much healthier for the forthcoming season.

As WhoScored.com revealed, the centre-back reads the game exceptionally well:

He's also more mobile than Mertesacker and more convincing defensively than Gabriel, so he represents a significant upgrade on their current options.

Football writer Liam Canning believes he would be an excellent buy for the Gunners:

Even without their fitness worries, it's clear Arsenal's defence should be a priority this summer along with a centre-forward.

If the Gunners can bring in Mustafi, they'll have just one area in need of addressing before the window shuts.

Meanwhile, according to French outlet L'Equipe (h/t beIN Sports' Matt Spiro), Arsenal are attempting to sign Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez, who is similarly hopeful of a move:

A winger isn't nearly as pressing a priority as a striker, but adding the PFA Player of the Year to their squad would be a significant coup for the Gunners.

Mahrez racked up 17 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last year and would add further flair, creativity and potency to Arsenal's attack.

While he should not be pursued in lieu of a clinical centre-forward—Arsenal already have Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey among their attacking midfielders, whereas there's little beyond Olivier Giroud up front—he'd be an impressive marquee signing for a team that sorely needs one.