Arsenal 'close to agreeing Shkodran Mustafi deal'

Valencia's new German defender Shkodran Mustafi gives a press conference during his official presentation in Valencia on August 7, 2014
© Getty Images
Arsenal reportedly agree a fee in excess of £35m for Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.

The Gunners have been involved in protracted transfer negotiations with Valencia for a number of weeks now as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his defensive options before next Wednesday's transfer deadline.

The two clubs have been wrangling over a price for the Germany international, but BBC Sport reports that Arsenal have now given in to Valencia's demands and will pay in excess of £35m for the 24-year-old.

Mustafi is expected to undergo a medical at the club, but it is unlikely that a deal will be completed in time for him to feature in this Saturday's match away to Watford.

Arsenal, who lost Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista to long-term injuries during pre-season, have also been linked with Marcel Tisserand and Phil Jones.

Valencia's German defender Shkodran Mustafi celebrates his goal during the Spanish league football match Valencia CF vs Granada CF at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on September 25, 2015
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City33009369
2Chelsea33007259
3Manchester UnitedMan Utd33006159
4Everton32104227
5Hull City32014226
6Middlesbrough31203215
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs31203215
8Arsenal31116514
9Leicester CityLeicester31113304
10West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom31112204
11Liverpool311156-14
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham310235-23
13Burnley310224-23
14Swansea CitySwansea310224-23
15Southampton302124-22
16Sunderland301235-21
17Crystal Palace301213-21
18Watford301236-31
19Bournemouth301225-31
20Stoke CityStoke301226-41