Valencia eye Eliaquim Mangala as a potential replacement for Arsenal target Shkodran Mustafi

Valencia are targeting Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala as a potential replacement for Arsenal target Shkodran Mustafi. The 25-year-old Frenchman faces increased competition at the Etihad Stadium this season following the big-money arrival of John Stones from Everton and is reportedly attracting interest from the Spanish club.

Their attention stems from rumours linking Mustafi, the German international, with a move to Arsenal, who find themselves in the midst of a defensive injuries crisis as Per Mertesacker and Gabriel are both currently out of action.

In the event of Mustafi joining Arsenal, Valencia would be keen to take Mangala on loan for the season, according to the London Evening Standard. The France defender, who joined City in 2014, has failed to cement his place in the Blues' first-choice team and appears to have been pushed further down the pecking order by the arrival of Stones.

It remains to be seen, though, whether Arsenal will decide to make a move for Mustafi, who was part of Germany's squad at Euro 2016. Speculation over a move to Arsenal has increased after Mustafi was left out of Valencia's squad ahead of their pre-season friendly with Nigeria All-Stars on Wednesday (10 August).

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recently admitted he was looking to sign at least one forward and one defender in the summer transfer window. "Yes I do (expect to sign a defender before the season starts)," the manager is quoted as telling the Arsenal website. "We are still on the market for players. [Be it] at the front or at the back − we are on the market. Unfortunately, we are not alone."