Arsenal are eager to push through a deal with Valencia for Shkodran Mustafi.

The Gunners are determined to sign a new central defender before the Premier League season kicks off in nine days' time and are hoping that the new addition is Germany international Mustafi.

The 24-year-old is a priority for Arsene Wenger following the knee injury sustained by Per Mertesacker in pre-season and the Frenchman wants to secure his signature in the coming days.

The Sun is reporting that Arsenal have organised talks with Valencia director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and it is believed that both clubs are confident a deal will be done soon.

Former Everton and Sampdoria defender Mustafi has a £42.4million release clause but Valencia are willing to sell for anything over £20m, before setting their sights on Napoli's Raul Albiol.

However, it is understood that Chelsea are also keen on Mustafi due to his ability to play in both central defence and at right-back.