Shkodran Mustafi won’t ‘start a war’ over Arsenal exit
Shkodran Mustafi insists he won’t “start a war” with Arsenal in his search to find a new club.
The 27-year-old German defender has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates after a number of high-profile mistakes and poor performances since the start of last season.
Should Mustafi leave Arsenal? Five things to know…
- Mustafi joined Arsenal from Valencia in 2016 for £35m.
- The defender has made 115 appearances for the club since.
- But he admitted on Thursday he would like to leave the club after falling down the pecking order.
- He did, however, insist he won’t “go to war” with Arsenal to do so.
- Mustafi’s only appearance this season came in Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League win over Frankfurt.
Mustafi is yet to feature in the Premier League this season and finally made his first appearance of the campaign in Arsenal’s 3-0 Europa League win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.
And despite admitting he is open to leaving Arsenal in search of first-team football, the 27-year-old maintains that he won’t rock the boat during that time.
“My dad talked to the club. I am a player of Arsenal and have another two years of contract,” Mustafi said following Arsenal’s win in his homeland.
“I was never the one who starts a war when something does not work out. If something turns out, I’m open to taking the next step. If not, then I will continue my football.
“The coach told me that he sees me the same way as any player in the team. That’s why I played today.
“I do not want to say that this is not an issue. I have a wife and two children and that has to be sanctioned.
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“If at some point, a club from Germany has an interest and it fits, I’m open for it.”
Despite their Europa League victory in mid-week, Arsenal are in need of a win over Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday having gone three Premier League games without a win.
The Gunners threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Watford at Vicarage Road last time out, following a north London derby draw with Spurs and a 3-1 defeat away to Liverpool last month.
