Report: Arsenal in talks to terminate Shkodran Mustafi contract

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Football London have claimed that Arsenal are in talks with the representatives of defender Shkodran Mustafi to cancel his contract six months ahead of schedule in order to secure a move for the player – after doing so with Mesut Ozil and Sokratis.

Mustafi, 28, has plummeted down the pecking order following the summer signing of Gabriel and the improved form of Rob Holding. Pablo Mari has returned from injury and David Luiz remains an option, as does Calum Chambers.

The Germany international last played for Arsenal on Boxing Day and has only managed nine appearances all season in all competitions – and 43 minutes in the Premier League. A move to Serie A looks likely, with Champions League outfit Lazio his ‘most-likely destination’.

Now, Arsenal are looking to rid themselves of his £90,000-a-week wage (Spotrac). They have already saved themselves the best part of half a million in wages by offloading Ozil and Sokratis, and now, Mustafi is the next in line with talks ongoing.

TBR’s view – Mustafi exit suits all parties involved

Clearly, Mustafi was going to leave in the summer and the former Sampdoria and Valencia defender would have been lucky to have reached 15 appearances in total this season – if he is to stay. But it looks likely that he will be released.

It gives Mustafi the chance to join another team instantly, on a free transfer. For Arsenal, it gives them a bit more flexibility in the last few days of the transfer window – with now lots of space on the wage bill especially after Ozil’s exit.