Shkodran Mustafi linked to Galatasaray

With Carl Jenkinson no longer at the club (yes, I double-checked — he’s at Nottingham Forest now), the “guy linked with a move away in every window who never actually moves” position was vacant at the Emirates. It wasn’t open long and may soon be vacant once more. After being told he could seek a move in August, Shkodran Mustafi is again being linked with a move away from North London. This time, it’s to Turkish side Galatasaray.

Although I know nothing about the reliability of the Turkish outlet fotoMac that first reported the link, this rumor may have some teeth to it. Granted, my reasoning is tenuous and speculative, but follow along. Mustafi changed agents earlier this week to SBE Management. Changing agents is something players do when they want a move. But the kicker is who his former agent was — HIS FATHER. It doesn’t seem to me as if you can your agent-dad unless something bigger is in the works.

Mustafi has made just three Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season and appears to be firmly planted behind David Luiz and Sokratis on the depth chart. Mikel Arteta seems to prefer Rob Holding as well; his return to fitness and inclusion in the matchday squad for the last two Premier League games has relegated Mustafi to the stands both times.

The German is under contract with Arsenal through the end of the 2020-2021 season, so he wouldn’t be leaving on a free this coming May. But with the ever-present reports that money is tight in North London, the club would be wise to recoup some of the £35M it took to acquire him from Valencia in 2016. I don’t think it’s a question of if he’ll be sold; I think it’s just a matter of when.