Shkodran Mustafi has stated that if he could ‘stay’ at Arsenal then it would ‘mean a lot to me’, as he told his press conference ahead of today’s Europa League clash.
Arsenal signed Mustafi during the summer of 2016 for a fee of £35 million [BBC Sport] and despite the German international arriving with such pedigree, it perhaps hasn’t worked out the way he would have liked.
The 28-year-old was once again criticised by the Arsenal fans on Sunday when they felt he was at fault for Jamie Vardy’s winning header.
Mustafi’s contract is due to expire next summer and he hinted that he would like to stay but made it clear that talks haven’t taken place.
“When I made the decision to sign for Arsenal it’s because I respect this club,” said Mustafi. “I think it’s a huge club. That’s why for me if I could stay at Arsenal then it would mean a lot to me.
“At the end of the day, it was important during these last three months to come back after the injury, to be ready to play and help my team. When you hopefully get a few games, you can maybe look at the future.
“At the moment, it has been difficult because in the last months I haven’t been thinking about the end of my contract or what’s going on in the future. All I wanted is to be back as quick as possible – then when the times comes to think about what’s next then hopefully we are going to have some news for you.”
One thing is for sure, Mikel Arteta needs to move a couple of his centre-backs on because he is top-heavy in that department.
Given that Mustafi isn’t his first choice and his contract is due to run out then it would be pretty easy putting him in the firing line.
But on the same token, these forthcoming games are crucial for players aside from summer signing Garbiel, to prove that they are worthy of staying at the club for the long run.
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