The BBC’s David Ornstein says Arsenal are keen to offload Shkodran Mustafi this summer, either permanently or on loan, even though the player is eager to prove himself to Unai Emery.

The 27-year-old Germany international, who signed from Valencia in August 2016 for £35 million, is under contract at the Emirates until 2021.

It’s long been reported that the club would be open to the World Cup winner’s departure, however, his six-figure weekly pay packet has proved to be a stumbling block for potential suitors in the past.

AS Roma, AC Milan and Monaco have all been touted as possible destinations in the last couple of weeks.

Arsenal in talks with number of clubs over Shkodran Mustafi exit. 27yo (contract until 2021) wants to stay + prove himself. But #AFC want permanent or loan departure. Also hope to bolster central defence pre-deadline & retain interest in Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney #CelticFC — David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) July 30, 2019

Given the club will almost certainly see club captain Laurent Koscielny leave this summer, it’s interesting that we’re pushing hard for Mustafi, whose confidence appears to be in tatters, to leave. Presumably, given Sokratis and Calum Chambers are our only other fit centre-backs at the moment, we must have another target in mind.

Ornstein also says that Celtic’s Kieran Tierney remains a target despite the Gunners holding off from lodging a third bid for the Scotland international. Given the left-back is still recovering from injury, we’re obviously not in that much of a rush to get him to London Colney.

Arsenal are expected to complete the club-record signing of Nicolas Pepe in the next 24 hours.