Rumour Reel: Mustafi to Arsenal, Palace seek Sissoko while Mauricio moves for Mangala?
Published:
Robbie Purves | August 26, 2016
The Emirates could be about to solve their centre back conundrum after weeks of speculation, with Shkodran Mustafi to Arsenal linked in today’s back pages.
The Gunners are keen to add an experienced defender as soon as possible, as centre back pairing Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker remain injured.
Mustafi to Arsenal
According to reports, Arsenal have agreed a £35m deal that would see World Cup winner Mustafi join the London club.
Not only are Paulista and Mertesacker injured, but Laurent Koscielny is also struggling with niggling back problems, so defensive reinforcements are a must for the Gunners this window.
Arsene Weneger has been courting Mustafi for a few weeks now and, despite numerous sticking points during negotiations, the deal seems to now be going through.
Mustafi was a dominant aerial presence in the air for Valencia last term, and reads the game well enough to slot nicely into Wenger’s side.
However, it looks as though Arsenal haven’t finished scouring La Liga, with Espanyol’s striker Lucas Perez linked with a £17m move.
Perez netted 19 in all competitions last season and is likely to bolster Arsenal’s striking options, as Olivier Giroud remains the club’s only out-in-out centre forward.
Palace seek Sissoko
Crystal Palace will reportedly attempt to sign Moussa Sissoko if Wilfried Zaha moves to Tottenham.
According to reports, Alan Pardew is keen on recruiting the France midfielder who impressed during Euro 2016. Pardew signed Sissoko for Newcastle United in 2013 amid interest from Everton and Inter Milan, and could be set to reunited at Selhurst Park.
After their initial fee of £27m for Christian Benteke that took him from Liverpool, the Eagles are keen to continue spending, with Sissoko valued at around £30m by the Magpies.
Zaha is a shock target for Spurs, but Steve Parish is determined to retain wide talent after Yannick Bolasie left for Everton.
Mauricio to move for Mangala?
Tottenham are considering approaching Manchester City for Eliaquim Mangala according to reports, as the White Hart Lane outfit listen to offers for Kevin Wimmer – who recently signed a five-year contract extension.
Mangala appears to be out of favour with Pep Guardiola and has failed to feature so far this term.
The 25-year-old defender has been a huge disappointment since moving to the Sky Blues in 2014, but showed glimpses of what he could become given time to develop.
Pochettino appears to be ready to give the France international a chance but, with three years left on his contract, will command a large fee.
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