According to Football.London, Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has told the club that he intends to leave in 2021.
It’s claimed that Arsenal have offered Mustafi a new deal to stay put at the Emirates Stadium, given that he is out of contract next summer.
However, Mustafi has rejected the offer, and has informed Arsenal that he plans to leave for free at the end of the Premier League season.
The 28-year-old cost £35million from Valencia just over four years ago, but Arsenal face losing him for absolutely nothing with his contract winding down.
Mustafi is allegedly keen on a return to Italy, having previously played in Serie A with Sampdoria, whilst his wife’s family are close by in Switzerland.
Mustafi will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a non-English club come January, and the Gunners may be scrambling to sell in the winter window to try and bring in some cash before he leaves for free.
The German international featured to Arsenal as a substitute against Leicester City last night, and could be in line for more playing time now he is back fit again.
That doesn’t seem to be enough for Mustafi, who now wants out – and Mikel Arteta will have to begin planning for life without him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
