The agent of Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has confirmed he is in talks with Barcelona over a surprise January transfer for his client.
German centre-back Mustafi is out of favour at Arsenal this season, and is behind new signing Gabriel Magalhaes in the pecking order in north London.
Mustafi has featured just twice for the Gunners in the Premier League this campaign and is itching to complete a move away for regular football.
The defender's contract is set to expire in June next year meaning it is in Arsenal's best interest to move him on in January to ensue they get a fee for him.
The 28-year-old has previously played in Serie A and La Liga, although a move to Germany would appeal to Mustafi, who has never played in the Bundesliga.
But Barcelona have stolen a march on any potential rival for the defender's signature, with his agent confirming he has visited the Camp Nou to thrash out a deal.
Mustafi's agent Emre Ozturk was recently pictured on Instagram at Barcelona's stadium. The post was entitled "ready for meeting".
Ozturk told Spox: "I'm not in Barcelona because of Yusuf Demir, but because of Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal, whom we also represent."
It is not clear whether Ozturk was in Spain to discuss a January move or a free transfer at the end of the season.
But Barcelona are short at centre-back at the moment with Gerard Pique out injured.
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