Arsenal: Selling Shkodran Mustafi ruthless or reckless?

There are growing reports that Arsenal and Arsene Wenger are intent on selling Shkodran Mustafi just a year after they signed him. If a sale is completed, would it be a ruthless or reckless move?

Arsene Wenger is a loyal man. He is loyal to his club, loyal to his beliefs and loyal to his players. Often times, it is a virtue that should be celebrated and revered, especially in a footballing culture that is so inherently and plainly disloyal. However, sometimes, it can come at the cost of progress. There is a lack of decisiveness that comes with loyalty, something that has seeped into the management of Arsenal.

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Throughout his 21-year tenure in North London, patience has been afforded to almost all of his players. No matter their struggles and their difficulties, if Wenger believes that their potential is still achievable, he is willing to be patient as he waits for it to bloom.

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Robin van Persie, Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey have all been beneficiaries of this patience. And more recently, Wenger has refuted the scrutiny and criticism over players like Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and even Mesut Ozil to continually support them and start them, entrusting key roles and responsibilities to their care.

But, if reports are to be believed, Wenger is not set to show the same tolerance with Shkodran Mustafi. Signed for £35 million last summer, it is thought that Wenger is wanting to sell Mustafi just a year later in the hope that he recoup much of the initial price paid. That seems like an odd decision, one that counters his usual management style. And so, it leads me to question, is Wenger unleashing a ruthless streak that has previously been absent, or is he merely being reckless in his premature dismission of Mustafi’s abilities?

Mustafi started his first season in England extremely successfully. He immediately formed a cohesive understanding with Laurent Koscielny. His aggressive approach, his speed across the ground, his reading of the game and his accurate distribution were all immediately evident. However, as the year progressed, there was one key strength that became his downfall.

Mustafi’s aggressive nature saw him repeatedly drive out of position, being caught far too advanced as he scampered, carelessly, after the ball, attempting a reckless slide tackle or thoughtless interception. It also saw him commit several risky tackles: some successful; others less so.

It also saw him commit several risky tackles: some successful; others less so. He was more than willing to throw himself to the ground, something that Wenger famously does not like, and lunges into challenges, often without control over his body.

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However, for all the faults that his over-aggressiveness causes, there are a number of natural traits, physically, mentally, technically and tactically, that are worth investing in and developing. Mustafi needs the patience that Wenger has shown to so many players before him. Without it, I can’t help but feel that recklessness has taken place for ruthlessness.