Shkodran Mustafi misses new Valencia training as 'Arsenal offer looms'

Former Everton defender Shkodran Mustafi must keep working apart from the rest of his Valencia teammates during their pre-season tour in England amid the speculations linking him with a move to Arsenal. The La Liga side claims that the centre-back is injured, but Spanish AS suggests that his recurrent absences from the session could eventually be due to his uncertain future at Mestalla as the Gunners are still closely monitoring the situation.

Valencia sporting director confirmed earlier this week that Los Che need to sell at least two more players before the end of the transfer window to fulfil Financial Fair Play regulations, having already sold the likes of Andre Gomes to Barcelona or Antonio Barragan to Middlesbrough.

"This is a turbulent summer. We have been able to complete seven exits and we would have to make two or three more to to meet the Fair Play [regulations]," the Valencia sporting director confirmed.

AS claims that Mustafi is eventually the main candidate to leave Mestalla due to his reputation and that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Arsene Wenger has already confirmed that the Gunners are expected to sign a new defender ahead of the new campaign following the pre-season long term injury of Per Mertesacker and the German international is said to be his top target.

The Sun earlier this week reported that Chelsea are also monitoring the situation but Arsenal were ready to hold talks with Valencia to lure him to the Emirates Stadium, with Los Che ready to sell for offers more than £20m ($26.14m, €23.58m).

AS claims that Valencia claim that they are yet to receive any formal proposal for Mustafi but believes that his recurrent absences from the training sessions due to a minor muscle injury might not be casual.

On Friday Valencia said that Mustafi trained as an individual, along with Aderlan Santos and Aymen Abdennour ahead of their friendly game with Crystal Palace as the "trio recover from their particular injuries".

However, AS believes that Valencia may be only protecting the player from suffering a more serious injury, in order to not put his potential move away from the club at risk.

The Spanish publications adds that Valencia eventually plan a huge overhaul in the centre-back position, with Mustafi, Santos and Abdenour leaving to make space for Raul Albiol and Sidnei.

Yet, Valencia sporting director earlier this week already confirmed that the return of Albiol from Napoli is a top priority for the current transfer window.