Arsenal preparing to terminate Mustafi’s contract, as they look for wholesale squad cuts
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Shkodran Mustafi is in talks with Arsenal to end his contract early this January. The player is interested in a move to Germany or Italy, where he can play more.
Mustafi has not featured for Arsenal since Boxing Day where he came on as a substitute in the 2nd half. Arsenal recently terminated fellow centre-back Sokratis’ and midfielder Ozil’s contract.
Arsenal have previously terminated contracts of Ozil and Sokratis
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They are looking to clear out players who do not have a future at the club under Arteta. Arteta has kept his faith in the younger players as Arsenal look to build a squad for the future.
The club has many options at the back in David Luiz, Holding, Pablo Mari, Chambers and Gabriel. Thus a decision to let go of the 28-year-old defender seems logical in the post-pandemic economy.
Mustafi continued to train with the Arsenal squad on Monday but could soon end up leaving. The player has played only 3 times for Arsenal in the Premier League.
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In total Mustafi has played 151 times for Arsenal since he joined from Valencia in 2016. Mustafi currently earns £90,000 per week at Arsenal and his contract expires in June.
A number of players have been let go by Arsenal as they look to reduce their wage bill and clear out spots. In addition to Sokratis and Ozil, Kolasinac also left the club on loan. Arsenal have been pretty active in the transfer market with the club signing Matt Ryan. Martin Odegaard will also make the move to London from Madrid, once the medicals are completed.
Even if Arsenal do not terminate Mustafi’s contract in January, a move looks imminent for the German international in the next summer. The player can move for free in June.