Report: Manchester City defender set to join Valencia to replace new Arsenal signing

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala is set to join La Liga side Valencia on loan, according to a report from France Football on Tuesday night. The two teams are in fast negotiations, and a deal is expected to be done before the transfer deadline on Wednesday night.

The Frenchman was very close to joining his former club, FC Porto, but after Arsenal announced the signing of former Valencia center-back Shkodran Mustafi, the Spanish side went to the market looking for a quality replacement to the German. Mangala is out of Pep Guardiola's plans, but is a good center-back that could play well for another club and tactical system.

City are very attracted to the offer because of its financial terms. The Citizens would need to pay a large portion of Mangala's wages had he joined Porto, but Valencia are rich and agreed to take care of 100% of the defender's salary, which is certainly great news for City.

As soon as the clubs reach an agreement, Mangala will travel to Spain for medicals and contract signing.