Arsenal are closing in on Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi after breaking Los Che's resistance with a bid in excess of £35m.

Valencia were claimed to be ready to sell Mustafi for the right price, but recently slammed the door on any exit, insisting that the Germany international must stay put.
 



However, Arsenal have continued to keep working on a deal and, according to the BBC, have agreed to pay a fee in excess of £35m in order to land Mustafi.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been under pressure to spend, especially since central defenders Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista picked up injuries.
 


Mustafi had a brief and unsuccessful spell at Everton earlier in his career and Arsenal boss Wenger will be hoping the German makes it second time lucky in English football.

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For Valencia, losing Mustafi is a blow, but the impact will be cushioned by a substantial transfer fee.

The centre-back had also been linked with Liverpool, with talk the Reds could use Valencia's interest in winger Luis Alberto as a bargaining chip.