Chelsea and Arsenal could be set for a transfer tussle over Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi as both Premier League clubs attempt to bolster their defensive ranks before the start of the season.
Mustafi, 24, has recently been linked with Arsenal after manager Arsene Wenger said he would enter the transfer market for a central defender following Per Mertesacker’s injury that is expected to rule the German out for this first three months of the season.
Chelsea are also reportedly eager to add a new central defender to their squad, with Gary Cahill and John Terry the only available senior centre-backs as Kurt Zouma continues his rehabilitation from the cruciate ligament injury suffered in February.
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According to the Daily Mail, Mustafi figures high on both Chelsea and Arsenal's shortlists, with the report claiming Valencia could be willing to listen to offers in the region of £25 million (Dh120.6m).
Mustafi has previous experience of an English club having joined Everton as an Academy player in 2009, although he failed to make a single Premier League appearance in his two-and-a-half years on Merseyside.
He joined Sampdoria in January 2012 and made 50 appearances for the Italian club, during which time he made his Germany debut.
Mustafi secured his move to current club Valencia in August 2014, playing 78 matches and cementing his place in the Germany squad.
He scored his country’s opening goal of Euro 2016, a header against the Ukraine in a 2-0 win.
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