Arsenal have met Valencia's asking price for defender Shkodran Mustafi and are aiming to quickly close out the deal, it has been claimed.
The Gunners are keen on the Germany international centre-back, but have been unwilling to meet Valencia's €30m asking price for the defender.
Liverpool were linked with Mustafi earlier this week amid suggestions the Reds could include Spanish flop Luis Alberto in the deal to smooth the defender's path to Anfield.
But Arsenal do not want to be beaten to Mustafi and according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, have now put €30m on the table.
Talks are now continuing as the Gunners seek to take Mustafi to the Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been grappling with a defensive injury crisis which forced him to pair Rob Holding and Calum Chambers in the heart of defence for his side's 4-3 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will respond to Arsenal's latest gambit in an attempt to take Mustafi to Anfield.
