• More: The National's Transfer Talk page
Arsenal's disappointing start to the Premier League campaign could get a boost if they secure the long-rumoured transfer of Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi. But according to the Daily Mirror, such a signing would not come cheap.
Valencia reportedly have set the price for the German at £50 million (Dh240.4m). The price is said to be so high due to the Spanish club’s own pursuit of Chelsea winger Pedro. The club could lower the cost if they get hungry enough for the cash, and they will likely have to if Arsene Wenger is to approve the move.
The negotiations are said to be continuing, but Arsenal are still looking at alternatives should the price for Mustafi continue to be too exorbitant. However, baulking at the price tag would go against Wenger's own comments last week that Arsenal were "not afraid to spend money" on improvements.
Joel Campbell joins Sporting on season-long loan
Arsenal striker Joel Campbell has joined Sporting on a season-long loan, the Portuguese club said on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Costa Rica international, who scored three goals in 19 Premier League games for Arsenal last season, is a versatile player who can play across the front line.
It is his fifth loan since joining Arsenal, following earlier spells at Lorient, Real Betis, Olympiacos and Villarreal.
Arsenal, who have taken just one point from their opening two Premier League games, are expected to sign a new striker before the close of the transfer window at the end of the month.
Sydney FC sign Brazil’s Bobo
Brazilian goalscorer Deyvison Rogerio “Bobo” da Silva has signed for Sydney FC for the new Australian A-League season, the club said Monday.
Nicknamed “Bobo”, the Brazilian striker comes to the A-League as the all-time leading scorer for Turkish giants Besiktas, having netted 97 goals in 222 games over five seasons.
Bobo, 31, lifted the Turkish title in 2008/09, the Turkish Cup three times and the Turkish Super Cup once in his spell in Istanbul.
He joins the Sky Blues from top Brazilian side Gremio.
“I believe I am coming to Sydney FC to win trophies and I will not be satisfied until we have achieved that,” Bobo said.
Bobo will link up with former Slovak teammate Filip Holosko who sits second on Besiktas’ goalscoring list with the pair playing together for three seasons in Istanbul.
“Bobo is proven goalscorer with a great pedigree and I’m extremely excited to begin working with him,” Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold said ahead of the A-League’s October 7 kick off.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
