Manchester City centre back Eliaquim Mangala, 25, is set to leave the Etihad and move to Valencia.
The Spanish club tried to loan the defender last season but that move was blocked due to concerns over 30 year-old Vincent Kompany’s fitness. Whilst those remain unresolved, City are looking to bring in Everton’s John Stones, 22, to lead their defence in the Belgian’s absence.
Mangala’s form dipped severely last season as City slumped to fourth place in the Premier League. The French defender drew criticism from all quarters as pundits identified him as the weak link in City’s back four.
Despite his massive frame, Mangala has struggled to adapt to the physical aspects of the English game and is looking to the more technical Spanish league to progress his career. His prospects at City are diminishing with the highly-rated Belgian Jason Denayer, 21, returning from an impressive loan spell with Galatasaray.
Valencia face losing Shkodran Mustafi, 24, to Arsenal following 31 year-old Per Mertesacker’s injury which necessitated surgery in Germany this week. The Gunners have already been in contact with Mustafi’s agent and personal terms are close to being agreed.
A valuation of £21m by the Spanish club won’t deter Arsenal.
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