Chelsea could be set to frustrate Arsenal fans even further with the addition of a new defender.
Although Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Mustafi, it looks like Chelsea could be about to steal a march on the Gunners with a £25million bid, according to reports in Spain, mainly from news outlet AS.
24-year-old Mustafi had been earmarked as the defensive addition Arsenal would make next week but with Chelsea also on the lookout for a new defender it may not be straightforward for Arsene Wenger.
Between the English and Italian press, they have also decided that Chelsea are ready to offer €30million for Mustafi – that’d be more than Arsenal’s reported £19million offer last week.
Chelsea had been heavily linked with a move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly but it seems they have been priced out of a move with Napoli now refusing to sell for any price after receiving £75million for Gonzalo Higuain. Napoli are however interested in Diego Costa from Chelsea and should Conte be willing to part with the Spaniard then a player exchange deal could still be possible.
Although Chelsea don’t have Champions League football they have a good manager in Antonio Conte and a good squad of players ready to bounce back from last seasons humiliation.
If Arsenal want to sign Mustafi then Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil may have a role to play in convincing the German to come to The Emirates ahead of Stamford Bridge.