Are Arsenal about to make Mustafi move?

Arsenal could be set to make a bid for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, as manager Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his defensive options, according to reports.

The Daily Star claims that the Gunners are considering a move for German centre-back Mustafi, as Wenger looks to add to his defensive ranks ahead of a title challenge next season.

The report claims that Arsenal have held initial talks over a potential move, and are keen to bring in a top class defender to provide competition for Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista.

Arsenal's need for a central defender has been further exacerbated by the fact that injuries to Mertesacker and Koscielny mean that Wenger will likely be without his first choice defensive pairing as the season kick off.

Mustafi is a Germany international, and was part of their World Cup winning squad in 2014, as well as having taken part in this summer's UEFA European Championship in France, in which Joachim Lowe's men reached the semi-final before eventually losing to the host nation.

Mustafi has earned the reputation as being one of the finest defenders in La Liga, and is also believed to be a target for Chelsea.

The 24-year-old was at Everton as a teenager but he made only one appearance for the Toffees before moving to Sampdoria in 2011. Mustafi joined Valencia two years ago, and has been a crucial player for Los Che ever since.