Arsenal’s pursuit of Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi is quickly becoming one of the most talked about transfer stories of the summer and reports now suggest things have taken another step forward.

News from the last couple of days has suggested that Arsenal had agreed terms with the La Liga side and the player himself and it finally appeared that Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger was about to solve the defensive crisis that has befallen the club over the summer.

Today however, it emerged that things were far from complete and Wenger was still facing into the new season with a massive shortage of defensive experience, following the summer injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel.

Now, it seems that things a have once again stepped up as it has been reported on Twitter, that Valencia owner, Peter Lim, has taken a trip to London to meet with Arsenal officials with a view to sealing a deal for the Germany international’s move to the Emirates Stadium.

Valencia owner Peter Lim in London for meetings with Arsenal over Mustafi & Everton over Abdennour (via reliable @Generaldepie_). #AFC #EFC

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) August 12, 2016

And here is the quoted source

Lim se ha reunido con el Barça por Samper, Paco y Alves. Ahora está en Londres, Mustafi, Abennour, Albiol, Sindeihttps://t.co/jfZBTsD0z7

— Héctor Gómez (@Generaldepie_) August 12, 2016

Roughly translated, @Generaldepie tweeted,

“Lim has met with Barca by Samper, Paco and Alves. He is now in London, Mustafi, Abennour, Albiol, Sindei“

Arsenal are in dire need of some experience in the heart of defence following the loss of Mertesacker and Gabriel. While Rob Holding has arrived from Bolton Wanderers, there is still a considerable lack of depth in the defensive roster at the Emirates.

With only hours to go until the start of the new Premier League season, Wenger is desperate to secure the services of an experienced centre-back and right now, Valencia’s Mustafi is top of the veteran manager’s list.

With the arrival of Valencia owner, Lim, fans will be hoping that a deal might finally be agreed and the arrival of Arsenal’s second big summer signing, can be announced.

Gary Brennan, Pundit Arena

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