Arteta’s most improved player eyed for Serie A switch

Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi is being linked with a return to Serie A this summer.

The 28 year-old was one of the best performers in the second-half of last season, despite having become a scapegoat for errors in the previous 18 months.

Not long ago, Arsenal fans would wince at the sight of the German in the starting line-up, with each of his errors being highlighted for mass-criticism, but after a short time under Arteta, a different player emerged.

Shkodran quickly became an automatic starter in our back-line, whether playing in a four or on the right-side of a back-three, the German was showing that he was deserving of his role, and was easily the most improved of our entire squad in the second-half of the term.

The German international is yet to feature this season however thanks to injury, with Raheem Sterling having awfully taken him out late into the FA Cup semi-final after struggling to break our formidable defence down.

We have since added new signing Gabriel Magalhaes into the first-team, while William Saliba has returned from his loan spell with St Etienne with high expectations, and he could well find himself surplus to requirements this term.

Lazio and Napoli are believed to be of interest in the defender, with Mustafi having initially earned his call-up to the senior Germany squad during his previous spell in Italy with Sampdoria.

The Kicker‘s report could well mean that Mustafi may never feature in an Arsenal shirt again with only two weeks remaining in the transfer window, while the centre-back remains ruled out of action.

Would Arteta really consider allowing Mustafi to leave following his rapid improvements last term?

Patrick

Tags Shkodran Mustafi

5 Comments

  1. I personally would rather see
    AFC move on both CC and
    Holding than the much maligned
    German but if a sufficient bid
    reaches NL than Mustafi will be
    packing his bags this window.

    I admit I’ve been steadfast in my
    support of the former Valencia
    man but if his sale is instrumental
    in securing the signatures of TP,
    HA or both than the deal MUST
    be done.

    Good luck SM, your class and
    professionalism during a difficult
    time in NL will always be respected
    and appreciated.

  2. Massive respect to Mustafi for the shifts he put in last year under Arteta. He clearly has some mental cajones to put the over-the-top criticism out of his mind – even though it never feels like he is that far from a massive brain fart.

    But I think it’s best for both sides if he is moved on and his fee in invested in something a little further up the pitch.

  3. I have never doubted the determination and professionalism of Mustafi, and while he did improve under Arteta prior to his injury, In my opinion he is not, and never will be, the quick, composed and assured centre back we need to combat the top quality forwards we face in the Premier League..The fact that we will be hard pressed to get 10m for him demonstrates the huge premium we paid Valencia during the stewardship of Mr. Wenger.If he were top quality, there would be considerable interest in him, despite his injury. I feel it is time for Mustafi to move on and I hope he enjoys good fortune at his next port of call.

  4. Most improved player. I donr know if I should laugh or cry. If he has improved so much how come we bought 3 centre backs in Saliba, Mari and Gabriel????. From being incredibly poor in the past seasons. Mustafi has proved such a liabiilty for Arsenal and part of the shockingly shaky defence over the past few seasons. Has anybody looked at how many goals we were conceding in the premiership in last few season. Good riddens if we can make a little of a return on that ridiculous £35m we paid for him…..another shocking waste of money.

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