Barcelona aren’t trying to sign Shkodran Mustafi… surely?

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona are interested in adding to their defensive woes by signing Arsenal misfit Shkodran Mustafi, according to the player’s agent.

Barca’s problems in central defence are well-documented, with Gerard Pique likely out for the season with injury. Samuel Umtiti has only just returned, while Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo have been given regular minutes.

The Catalan giants have been linked with Eric Garcia of Manchester City and a deal could be revived in January. But Mustafi’s agent, Emre Ozturk, claimed that a recent trip to Camp Nou was to discuss his availability.

Speaking to Spox, he said: “I’m not in Barcelona because of Yusuf Demir, but because of Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal, whom we also represent.”

The news will come as a surprise to anyone who watches football or understands defending. Mustafi’s contract runs out in the summer and his cheap availability may be a reason for the links. Barcelona do not have a large transfer budget and will be looking for cut-price solutions.

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But even Arsenal fans would admit that Mustafi’s form is nothing short of dreadful. He was as culpable as anyone in the Gunners’ 4-1 League Cup defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday; there’s zero desire among the fans to see him play again for the club.

The £35m spent to Valencia to bring him to the Premier League is generally regarded among the worst deals in the club’s history.

Quite why Barcelona would want to get involved in a deal for a player who has played just 44 minutes of Premier League football is anyone’s guess. Ours is it’s his agent trying to make sure his client has a place to go next season.

But there’s not much chance of it being Barcelona.