With a potential deal for German international Shkodran Mustafi stalling, Arsenal are set to look towards Bayer Leverkusen’s Omer Toprak.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Shkodran Mustafi, and the time this potential transfer is taking is obviously frustrating us all, (possibly like a DOS machine in the age of MACs). In fact, the word is that the Mustafi deal might even be ‘off’, with The Metro reporting that Valencia boss Pako Ayestaran claiming that Mustafi will not be leaving Valencia this summer. He was quoted by the paper saying this:
‘Mustafi is not for sale and will not be leaving the club,’
Well, that is certainly would go down as a dagger to the chest, for all Gooners worldwide. However, all is not yet lost, for Arsenal have already identified a possible alternative. Well, at least according to Turkish Football, who have reported Arsenal’s interest in Turkish international and Bayer Leverkusen defender Omer Toprak.
The article claims that Toprak’s current club has informed interested clubs, namely Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund that they would have to shell out £14m if they are interested in signing their senior statesman.
Needless to say, there is no certainty that Valencia will still, at a later point in the few days remaining in the marker, not sell Mustafi. Arsenal are firmly engaged in negotiations for the German international and a deal for Toprak would only be explored as a possibility if all doors are shut on the Mustafi deal.
However, considering that Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund too are interested in signing the 27 year old, Arsenal would have to do some strategic and quick decision making. While many would argue, and rightly so, that Mustafi is a superior defender, there is no doubting Toprak’s quality.
After all, Dortmund have been looking towards him as a replacement for Mats Hummels, who is one of the best in the world and has now left for Bayern Munich. Omer Toprak joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2011, and has played a 170 times in all competitions, scoring 4 goals.
Do you think Omer Toprak would be a good signing for Arsenal?
