Report: Galatasaray want to sign Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi

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Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi is reportedly nearing the exit at the Emirates Stadium. Fotomac are reporting that the centre-back’s representatives will enter talks with Galatasaray over a move this month.

Boss Mikel Arteta will seemingly consider selling the 27-year-old World Cup-winning defender. Mustafi has a contract which runs until June 2021.

The German was once again left out of the Arsenal squad at the weekend and a move looks to be on the cards.

Mustafi recently chanced his agent and his new representatives are set to fly to Istanbul this week to meet Galatasaray.

The Gunners signed Mustafi from Valencia for £35 million (Express) and look set for a loss on that deal.

Arsenal drew 1-1 at the weekend with Crystal Palace and Arteta would perhaps like some reinforcements this month.

Offloading Mustafi would certainly allow some room for manoeuvre with his squad. It is unsure at this stage whether the deal would be on loan or permanent.

The defender earns £90,000-a-week (Spotrac) at the Emirates Stadium and getting that off the wage bill would be ideal for the Gunners.

TBR View – Offloading Mustafi is wise but a replacement would be ideal

With Calum Chambers set to miss the rest of the season, Mustafi’s departure does suggest there is room for another centre-back.

David Luiz and Sokratis have developed a decent rapport in recent weeks, with Rob Holding in reserve from the bench.

That doesn’t leave much else, however, and a replacement might be lined-up fro the departing Mustafi.

The Gunners have looked pretty dodgy at the back during this season and it’s an aspect Arteta will be keen to address this month.