Arsenal transfer news: Shkodran Mustafi will not move this summer, says Valencia head coach

Pako Ayestaran does not expect his defender to leave Mestalla during the current transfer window

Mustafi has been regularly linked with Arsenal this summer (Getty)

Shkodran Mustafi will not be allowed to join Arsenal this summer, according to the Valencia head coach Pako Ayestaran.

The Germany international, whose contract contains a €50m (£43m) release clause, has been targeted by Arsène Wenger as he looks to add defensive reinforcements to his squad.

Ayestaran, however, does not expect that the 24-year-old centre-back to leave Mestalla during the current transfer window.

"Mustafi is not for sale and he will stay at Valencia. The market is open and there are still possibilities," he told reporters after Valencia’s 4-2 defeat to Las Palmas on Monday.

Mustafi started on the bench for the game, only appearing as a half-time substitute for Ruben Vezo with Los Che 3-2 down.

The former Everton defender’s absence from the line-up, despite reports in the Spanish media earier on Monday suggesting that he would start, fuelled speculation surrounding his future.

Ayestaran, formerly an assistant manager at Liverpool under Rafael Benitez, later claimed Mustafi’s absence was due to a lack of fitness.

The 53-year-old coach also ruled out any potential sale of striker Paco Alcacer, who has attracted the attentions of Barcelona.

"With Alcacer I can be as firm as with Mustafi, Lay Hoon already said it,' Ayestaran added.

"The president has said in public that Alcacer and Mustafi are not for sale and I have to believe her."

Arsenal may now turn to other options, with West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans linked to the Emirates.

Evans, a three-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, moved to the Hawthorns last summer for a reported fee of £6m.