Arsenal transfer news: Gunners eye defensive alternatives as Valencia refuse to sell Shkodran Mustafi

The latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 23 August

West Brom are demanding £25m for Arsenal target Jonny Evans (Getty)

Arsenal’s chances of signing Shkodran Mustafi look to be over after Valencia confirmed that their centre-back is not for sale. Head coach Pako Ayestaran remarked that, “Mustafi is not for sale and he will stay at Valencia.”

The Gunners have been linked with the German ever since Per Mertesacker picked up a long-term injury during the club’s pre-season tour of America but are no closer to signing the promising 24-year-old.

The north London club had turned to Jonny Evans as an alternative but the Daily Telegraph has suggested that West Brom are demanding £25m for their centre-back.

Arsenal’s efforts to sign top-quality players have repeatedly been hindered by spiralling prices at home, as well as across Europe, and it’s unclear whether Arsene Wenger would be prepared to meet such a high asking price for the former Manchester United man.

In light of these developments, it seems the club have also made a surprise enquiry for Monaco defender Marcel Tisserand. According to the Daily Mirror, the 23-year-old, who can play at both right-back and centre-back, has struggled to establish himself at the French side and is anxious to see if Arsenal’s interest comes to anything.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Omer Toprak has also been considered as a defensive alternative to Shkodran Mustafi after the Bleacher Report suggested that Toprak could be available for just £14m. Speaking to Turkish Football, the central defender remarked: “It is not certain whether I will stay at Bayer Leverkusen, we still have a month and anything could happen until then."

Beyond Arsenal's search for defensive cover, The Sun has suggested that the club are monitoring Velez Sarsfield forward Naza Bazan Vera.

The 17-year-old striker is yet to make an appearance for his side's first-team but has impressed in his age group for the Argentinian outfit. Villarreal are similarly scouting the teenager who has been compared to Argentina and Juventus star Paulo Dybala.

The Gunners have also joined Chelsea in the battle to sign Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. Arsenal could be leading the way, however, after the paper claimed that the Blues have grown increasingly reluctant to engage in talks with Madrid in case the Spaniards raise any interest in Eden Hazard which could unsettle the Belgian.

Mundo Deportivo suggests Wenger is willing to spend £52m to bring the 25-year-old to the Emirates Stadium but in light of his recent spending policy it’s best to take this latest rumour with a pinch of salt…