Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi in Talks With Schalke 04

Shkodran Mustafi could leave Arsenal and join Sead Kolasinac at Schalke 04 with talks taking place to make him Ozan Kabak’s replacement this January transfer window.

Liverpool have been plunged into a central defensive crisis with no fit senior players who can play that role, an area they have sought to amend with the imminent arrival of Ben Davies from Preston.

They are still eyeing more additions in that department before deadline day with talks taking place over a deal to bring in Schalke’s Ozan Kabak, a move that the German club will only sanction if they can secure a replacement.

As per Sky Germany, Shkodran Mustafi has emerged as the most likely target if Liverpool’s pursuit is successful. Schalke have already been in contact with Arsenal over a deal to sign the 28-year-old. Any move will have to materialise quickly as the German transfer window closes at 6PM UK time, with the Bundesliga side wanting the situation resolved by 4PM at the latest.

Schalke 04 eyeing Shokdran Mustafi January signing from Arsenal

FussballTransfers add that it is ‘very possible’ that Mustafi will leave the club this window, a move that has been in the offing (and in supporters’ dreams) for a considerable length of time.

Mustafi is nowhere near the starting XI in north London having now fallen behind Calum Chambers in the pecking order. He is the sixth choice centre-back at the club.

Arsenal have a good relationship with the side rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga table after sealing Sead Kolasinac’s loan move there earlier in the window.

Talks had previously taken place over terminating Mustafi’s contract six months earlier than it was due to expire in the summer, conversations that were quelled by the defender’s father. However, knowing he is nowhere near the team, a permanent deal back to his native Germany could suit.

If we’re being honest, it would be a surprise to see this happen, namely because Schalke are in dire straits at this moment and facing the genuine possibility of relegation this season. Mustafi will know sitting tight for six months will give him a greater range of moves as a free agent, presumably at a club where second tier football isn’t a threat.

Arsenal are also said to want €2m from Schalke for him, which would quite frankly be miraculous even if he cost an alarming £30m.