La Liga Leaks: Alcacer ‘the chosen one for Barca’, Mustafi/Arsenal latest and Abdennour ‘to Everton’

There haven’t been many enjoyable days for Valencia fans in the last 12-18 months but yesterday reached breaking point for some. Nobody wanted Andre Gomes to leave but most could accept the player’s wish to join Barcelona. Even with Shkodran Mustafi, by some distance the best centre back at the club, the majority could accept him leaving - should the fee be right. However the news Paco Alcacer might reunite with Gomes at Barcelona is a step too far.

Mundo Deportivo and SPORT both claim Alcacer is ‘the chosen one’ to take that coveted fourth striker role. Much like with Gomes, Peter Lim has taken complete control of the deal and in Catalunya they’re saying a verbal agreement is in place for Alcacer to join Luis Enrique’s men. There’s even talk of a five-year deal and an ‘okay’ from the player himself.

Mundo Deportivo say a move for Alcacer could be placated by a combination of loan moves and permanent deals. Valencia are keen on Sergi Samper and Munir El Haddadi, both of whom could be added to the deal should one materialise for the Valencian frontman. If Alcacer did join Barcelona, he would become the fifth player in six years to make the switch from Valencia: David Villa, Jordi Alba, Jeremy Mathieu and Andre Gomes the previous four.

Over in Valencia the media are briefing quite the opposite to their Catalan counterparts. While Superdeporte and Plaza Deportiva acknowledge the question was asked over the possibility of selling Alcacer, both newspapers report that the answer was a firm ‘no’. Peter Lim doesn’t have any interest in selling the hometown hero, who will be presented as part of the 2016/17 squad at the Mestalla tonight.

Another name currently scheduled to appear in Valencia’s traditional presentation is Mustafi, despite the speculation surrounding his future. Plaza Deportiva said Peter Lim flew direct to London after his meeting with Barcelona and top of the agenda was trying to sort out the future of the German international. Arsenal remain interested, and the player himself at trying his hand in the Premier League, but the Gunners have yet to make a bid.

It appears another Valencia defender is on his way to the Premier League: Aymen Abdennour. The Tunisian international has endured a nightmare spell on Spain’s east coast but is still a valued name throughout Europe for his time at AS Monaco. It’s easy to forget he was linked with a move to Chelsea before Valencia beat them to his signature. Los Che have made it clear he can leave with Everton offering up to £15m for his services.

Other news and rumours:

- Esteban Granero was left out of the squad for Real Sociedad’s friendly today, prompting speculation he could be sold this month. (MARCA)

- Benjamin Stambouli’s loan move to Real Betis looks less secure now, as Schalke have made an offer to buy him. (Estadio Deportivo)

- Lucas Perez returns to Deportivo’s squad after missing out on the previous one because of the speculation surrounding his future. (MARCA)