Arsenal yet to make Mustafi offer

Arsenal have not yet made a firm offer for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca has claimed that, despite reported interest in the German defender, Arsenal have not yet lodged a formal bid for Shkodran Mustafi.

The Gunners are believed to be in the hunt for defensive reinforcements following injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista – the Brazilian centre-back picked up an ankle injury during a friendly against Manchester City in Sweden last weekend and will now miss the opening weeks of the new season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is thought to be weighing up a move for 24-year-old Mustafi, who it rumoured to be available this summer for just €25 million, which would represent a bargain for a player of his quality and experience.

The former Everton player joined Valencia two years ago from Sampdoria and was part of Germany’s World Cup winning squad in 2014, as well as featuring for Joachim Lowe’s side at the recent UEFA European Championship in France, in which the Germans reached the semi-final, before losing 2-0 to the home nation.

Arsenal have also been linked with a surprise move for West Bromich Albion’s former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

Evans only signed for the Baggies a year ago, but has impressed for Tony Pulis’s side, as well as on the international stage with Northern Ireland.