Valencia's director of football Jesus Garcia Pitarch has hinted Shkodran Mustafi is on his way to Arsenal.

Arsenal have been given hope in their pursuit of Mustafi, as Pitarch says the club could be forced to sell "a defender".

Pitarch told SuperDeporte: “We're above the FFP guidelines, that's the reality, and as of today, the four players we've signed cannot be registered, meaning we need to reduce the cost in a significant manner to register the players and sign a centre-back, which is a priority in case one of the ones at our club leaves.

“Obviously, if they don't leave, we can't sign a new one not only because of financial restrictions, but also because it wouldn't be logical to have five or six centre-backs.

“We need to continue with a reduced budget, but if there's an exit, we need a new centre-back.

“Our capacity is very limited. We've signed one player on a free, one on a loan with a view to buy, Nani in good conditions and Medran as well because Madrid allowed it and the player decided to do so."