Arsenal desperate to sign Shkodran Mustafi

Arsenal are desperate to land Shkodran Mustafi with their season set to begin in nine days' time. The Gunners are currently short in the central defensive department after Per Mertesacker sustained a knee problem in pre-season.

According to The Sun, Gunners officials will meet up with Los Che director Jesus Garcia Pitarch to finalize a deal for the versatile defender.

Mustafi currently has a £42.2m release clause in his contract, but Los Che are willing to accept a fee of around £20m for their asset.

The German is also a transfer target for Chelsea, who are in need of defensive reinforcements this summer.

The 24-year-old is adept at playing at both central defence and right-back, and this has caught the eye of Blues boss Antonio Conte.