Arsenal have begun talks with Valencia and Shkodran Mustafi over a summer transfer, Sky Sports reports.

The Gunners are on the lookout for centre-backs to stand in Per Mertesacker, who is pencilled in to spend at least five months on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Lens. Many names, including Semih Kaya and Kalidou Koulibaly, have been murmured.

However, Arsenal have now identified the Valencia defender as a potential target as they have entered negotiations with the involved parties. Sky Germany alleges that the 2015 Community Shield winners have not launched a formal bid though they intend to lure him to Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger likes a bargain. The German international has a release clause of £42.1m; however, Valencia’s readiness to accept any offer in the region of £25.3 – plus £8.4m in add-ons — is certain to make Mustafi an interesting option for Arsenal.

Valencia only recently offered him to AC Milan in a desperate attempt to balance the books only to be turned down by the Italians. Arsenal’s need for a centre-back and Valencia’s desperation may combine to make Mustafi Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, after Granit Xhaka, Takuma Asano, and Rob Holding.

Wenger claimed recently that Arsenal were looking to sign bring in an experienced defender, and despite being aged only 24, Mustafi boasts considerable experience to make him an ideal target. He has already racked up 60 Primera Division and 50 Serie A appearances. Besides, he has 12 Germany caps and one World Cup winners’ medal to his name.