Transfer Centre

Napoli to move for Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 22 August 2020

Napoli are reportedly considering a move for Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi after seemingly missing out on Lille's Gabriel Magalhaes.

Napoli have reportedly identified Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi as a potential transfer target.

With Kalidou Koulibaly being tipped to leave Stadio San Paolo this summer, Napoli are in need of a replacement for their star player at the back.

Although Gabriel Magalhaes has been heavily linked with a switch to Naples, it appears that the Brazilian will ultimately link up with Arsenal.

However, journalist Ciro Venerato suggests that Gennaro Gattuso views Mustafi as an ideal alternative if they lose out for the Lille man.

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Venerato said: "Until September 5, the French want to wait for the Azzurri, the price of the card is around €25m (£22.5m), everything could jump if the boy accepts another team.

"If Gabriel fades? At that point Napoli will turn to a plan B, in addition to Sokratis [Papastathopoulos], there is also talk of Mustafi, also coming out of Arsenal.

"Another name, an old scouting obsession would be [Jean-Clair] Todibo of Barcelona."

Arsenal and Barcelona are both open to offers for Sokratis and Todibo, likely for a lower fee than Mustafi.