Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Shkodran Mustafi and Riyad Mahrez Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly edging closer to signing Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, as the La Liga club's owner Peter Lim is said to be flying to London to complete the deal.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Plaza Deportiva, which said Lim will touch down in the English capital and meet with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger directly to finalise the transfer (h/t Charlie Phillippe of Daily Express).

Injuries to Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel have made Wenger’s search for a new centre-back a rather desperate one, but landing a player of Mustafi’s calibre will see the Frenchman fall on his feet.

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The Valencia man proved himself one of the most solid defenders in La Liga in 2015/16, with his ability to read a game up there with the very best in the business.

Mustafi is much more than just a brute at the back, though. His aerial ability is superb, he has the vision and composure to pick a pass, plus he has no fear running the ball out from the back and turning defence into attack.

To top it all off, he’s just 24 years of age and has plenty of room to grow. Here’s a look at why the German is on Wenger’s radar:

However, some aren’t sold on the idea of Mustafi heading to north London. Club legend Paul Merson told Sky Sports that he thinks the defender represents a panic buy (h/t Mark Brus of Metro): “If they fancied Mustafi that much, why didn’t they buy him when the Euros had finished? It feels as if it is a bit of a last resort.”

Wenger’s desperation to sign a new defender could well play into Lim’s hands when the pair meet in London, as the ball will be in the Valencia owner’s court when it comes to negotiating a transfer fee.

Metro’s James Goldman wrote that £20 million will be enough to secure Mustafi’s services, although Lim could look to hike the price up.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have reportedly upped their bid for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez to £35 million.

French outlet L’Equipe reported the Gunners have launched their improved offer after seeing an original £30 million bid turned down (h/t Aaron Flanagan of Daily Mirror and The Independent’s Jack de Menezes).

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The 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year allegedly turned down a new contract at the King Power Stadium, and Arsenal are ready to pounce on his uncertainty.

The Gunners spurned their best chance to win the Premier League for over a decade last term, and their lack of investment won’t have filled fans with hope of redemption this time around.

Wenger needs to bring in a new centre-back and a prolific striker to satisfy frustrated supporters’ demands.