Arsenal 'close to agreeing Shkodran Mustafi deal'

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.