In Arsenal’s opening game of the season, it was Calum chambers in the starting XI with David Luiz the only defender on the bench.
At the weekend against Burnley, the pair swapped positions with Luiz starting and Chambers on the bench.
For the 2nd week in a row, Unai Emery was unable (or unwilling) to find a space for Shkodran Mustafi.
Last Thursday the club released an update about Rob Holding. The Englishman is back in full training and will probably be back in the team for the 1st Europa League group game in a months time, where he will partner Chambers.
Holding’s return will push Mustafi further down the pecking order. 5th choice centre back. It is a clear indication that Emery does not want him. But as time goes on, doors will begin closing on the German.
The English transfer window shut on August 9th, the eve of the new season, but across Europe windows are still open for a limited time.
In recent days, Mustafi has been linked to Roma. The Serie A window shuts on the 2nd September.
Likewise a move to Monaco would have to also be completed on the 2nd September. It is the same date if Mustafi is to return to France or Germany.
An outside bet is Turkey, their window shuts on 1st September.
With Arsenal currently holding out for £25million+, a loan option may well be the end result.
If a club is will to pay his £90,000 a week wages, Arsenal might be willing to let him go if a side stumps up a £7million loan fee – that is the cost of Mustafi’s amortised transfer fee within the accounts following his £35million move from Valencia in 2016.
That would save Arsenal nearly £12million and in a year’s time, the club would be willing to accept a much lower transfer fees, potentially in the region of £15million.
Arsenal are making it clear and obvious to Mustafi that his services are no longer required.
It is now up to him whether he has the ambition to push for a move, or is happy sitting around for 2 years picking up nearly £10million and not playing.
Watch this space…
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 