Liverpool to join Arsenal in Mustafi chase

Liverpool could be set to go head to head with Arsenal over the signing of Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish media outlet El Desmarque are reporting that Liverpool have joined Arsenal in the race to sign German centre-back Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia.

The Gunners are desperate to sign a new central defender to ease the pressure of their current injury crisis which has seen Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista ruled out with long term injuries.

Mustafi is the man Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has identified to bolster their defensive options, but, apparently, the North London club have baulked at Valencia’s €30 million asking price for the Germany international.

And now Liverpool could be set to steal in and make a swoop to sign Mustafi, as Jurgen Klopp looks to make further squad improvements before the transfer window closes.

Mustafi was on Everton’s books as a youngster, but only ever made one senior appearance for the Toffees. Valencia signed the Wolrd Cup winner from Sampdoria in 2014, and after two successful years in La Liga, the 24-year-old could be set to make a move back to England.

Mustafi was part of Germany’s squad for the recent UEFA European championship in France, where he helped Joachim Lowe’s men reach the semi-final before losing 2-0 to the host nation.