Liverpool have been linked with a potential move to beat Arsenal to the signature of Germany international defender Shkodran Mustafi.
Arsene Wenger's Gunners have been trying to do a deal with Mustafi's club side Valencia to take the centre-back to the Emirates Stadium, but they are currently unwilling to meet the player's asking price, which is €30m.
Arsenal are claimed to want to leave enough in their transfer kitty to move for a striker after signing Mustafi.
But events could be overtaking the Gunners as, according to Spanish radio station Deportes SER Valencia, Liverpool are now in the mix.
The Reds are showing interest in Mustafi and Liverpool flop Luis Alberto, who spent last season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna, could be included in the deal.
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Valencia have made clear to the Reds that €30m is Mustafi's asking price, while Liverpool want €6m for Alberto. At present, neither side agrees with the other's valuation of their player.
Now talks are ongoing to find a solution.
Alberto joined Liverpool from Sevilla in 2013, but has failed to make the grade in English football. He was loaned to Malaga for the 2014/15 season and then impressed last term with Deportivo.
Were Jurgen Klopp's men to beat Arsenal in the race for Mustafi, shockwaves could be felt at the Emirates Stadium, with pressure cranked up following an opening day defeat to Liverpool.
Despite having substantial cash reserves, Arsenal appear to remain reluctant to pay top prices for players.
