Shkodran Mustafi wants to leave Arsenal for ‘new challenge’

Shkodran Mustafi’s father has dropped a hint that the German defender will leave Arsenal next summer on a free transfer – and we can explain why.

The former Valencia defender has less than a year remaining on his current deal with the Gunners and has reportedly rejected the opportunity to extend his stay at the Emirates. He signed for the North London club four years ago for 35 million from Valencia but has had an indifferent spell at the club. 

He was made surplus to requirements last summer under former boss Unai Emery but forced his way back into the fold under current manager Mikel Arteta. He played 15 of Arsenal’s last 17 games under the former Manchester City assistant manager in the 2019/20 season before succumbing to a knee injury in the closing stages of the FA Cup semi final against the Citizens.

Since returning to fitness, he has been used sparingly by Arteta and this could be a sign that his Arsenal career is reaching its end. He was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend. Speaking to German media outlet Sport1, his father said:

“Nothing is ruled out, we can imagine everything, because Shkodran is a free agent in the summer,” his father said.