A representative of Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has confirmed that he is in Spain to hold a meeting with Barcelona about the German international.

Emre Ozturk also represents Rapid Vienna attacking midfielder Yusuf Demir, with the 17-year-old attracting a lot of attention for his performances in Austria, so when a reporter asked him why he was in Spain, it was initially assumed he was holding discussions about the teenager. However, the agent corrected the record by saying:

“I’m not in Barcelona because of Yusuf Demir, but because of Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal, whom we also represent.”

Considering Mustafi has struggled to get into the Gunners’ starting lineup for league games, the link to Barca is a surprise, although, when you consider the situation of the player and the La Liga club, it makes more sense.

Barcelona are currently strapped for cash and they are short of centre-halves. With Mustafi’s contract expiring in the summer, he could be available cheaply in January. The player is also only a week away from being able to sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer next summer.