Chelsea is looking to hijack Arsenal's attempts to sign Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi before the Premier League seasons begins, according to reports.
Arsene Wenger has been linked with a move for the German international since Per Mertesacker suffered an injury that will put him out of action for several months.
But Antonio Conte's Chelsea is now said to be keen on signing Mustafi who has a buyout clause of £41 million ($54 million), according to the Daily Mail.
Valencia, however, is said to be willing to listen to offers of around £25 million ($33 million) for the 24-year-old who played for Everton until 2012.
Chelsea's new season begins at Stamford Bridge on August 15 with West Ham the visitors.
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