Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Shkodran Mustafi and Yacine Brahimi Rumours

Valencia are reportedly set to demand a whopping £50 million from Arsenal for centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.

That’s according to the Daily Mirror’s John Cross, who has stated that the Liga side are seeking to raise funds from the sale of the defender to launch a bid for Chelsea’s Pedro.

“Arsenal’s transfer fixer Dick Law has gone to Spain to try to broker a deal, with Mustafi still their No. 1 target, but Wenger is looking at other options,” the piece continued.

It’s suggested that aside from Mustafi, Arsenal have considered West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans and Atletico Madrid star Jose Maria Gimenez as alternatives, although neither seem feasible targets.

Sport Witness are unsure whether Los Che can command this kind of capital for the player:

Wenger is reportedly ready to creep above £25 million in pursuit of the Germany international defender. Here is a look at why Valencia will value him so highly:

It’d be a staggering amount of money for the Gunners to spend on a centre-back, although desperate times call for desperate measures. Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista are both injured, leaving Arsenal with a dearth of quality options at the core of their defensive setup.

Mustafi is someone who would aid in eradicating these issues if he was to come in, as he’s blossomed into an outstanding defender during his time in Spain. However, as noted by Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror, Valencia aren’t enjoying the best of times at the moment:

Still, if they are seeking to raise funds in pursuit of Pedro, then they’ll have to lower their asking price.

Mustafi is a commanding and dynamic defender, although he’s not worth the amount quoted yet. It’s a sum that’ll put off plenty of suitors, including the Gunners, who have a reputation for being frugal with their spending.

Valencia moving the goalposts on this deal will only add to the growing angst of Arsenal fans at the start of the new Premier League season. Whether it’s Mustafi or someone else, it’s imperative the club move quickly to secure a new defender ahead of their trip to Watford on Saturday.

Everton Linked with Yacine Brahimi

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According to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, Everton have held talks with reported Arsenal target Yacine Brahimi over a summer transfer.

The Sunday Mirror’s Tom Hopkinson had suggested that the Gunners were considering an offer of £40 million for the FC Porto man having missed out on Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez. However, Thomas has reported the Toffees are “very interested” in the Algerian and “talks have progressed well.”

Brahimi has been one of the standout players in the Portuguese top flight for a long time, dazzling defenders with his work on the flanks. Here is what he’d be capable of bringing to the Premier League:

In a potential boost to Arsenal, it’s suggested in the piece that the Toffees may have some trouble convincing the 26-year-old to join, as he wants to move to a team in the UEFA Champions League. He’s proved he’s capable of thriving at this level, too, per WhoScored.com:

Brahimi has all the natural talents to fit in at Arsenal. He’s a sharp cerebral player who has superb technical flair. In addition he could fulfil a variety of different roles behind the centre-forward and would be hungry to prove himself in a higher standard of division.

The Gunners need to address other areas of the team before they pursue another creative midfielder, though. Everton may not be able to offer the Algeria international Champions League football, but he’d quickly become the key man in a reshaped attack under new boss Ronald Koeman.