Shkodran Mustafi joins Schalke after Arsenal contract terminated by mutual consent on deadline day

Shkodran Mustafi has officially left Arsenal
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jack Rosser @JackRosser_1 February 2021

Arsenal have mutually agreed to terminate Skhodran Mustafi's contract, allowing the German to sign for Bundesliga club Schalke.

The 28-year-old had fallen further down the defensive pecking order in north London, making just nine appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

Liverpool had registered an interest in signing Mustafi in order to cover their defensive problems, but his move to Schalke will pave the way for the Reds to sign Ozan Kabak, having already brought in Ben Davies from Preston.

Arteta has been working to trim his swelled squad this month and Mustafi's is the third contract terminated after Mesut Ozil and fellow defender Sokratis. Academy graduates Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have been allowed to leave on loan.

"There are some conversations going on at the moment," Arteta said about outgoings earlier on Monday.

"The club is willing to help some of them, whether we find a solution or not, I don’t know."

Just as Ozil did to join Fenerbache, Mustafi is expected to have taken a cut to his £90,000-a-week wages in order to join Schalke, where he has signed a six-month contract and will be reunited with Arsenal loanee Sead Kolasinac.

“Musti has been a key player for us for a long period of time,” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

"He played a very important part in my first season as manager and I’d like to thank him for his professionalism and for always being ready when called upon. Everybody at Arsenal wishes Musti well at Schalke.”

Arsenal’s technical director Edu added: "We thank Musti for his contribution at Arsenal which has spanned four-and-a-half years, more than 150 appearances and a prominent role in two FA Cup wins.

"Everyone associated with the club wishes Musti and his family the very best wishes for the next chapter in his career.”

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