Unpopular Arsenal man hints at possible destination if he leaves

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has hinted that he would be open to a return to Germany.

Mustafi has been a divisive figure at the Emirates Stadium since his 2016 move from Valencia. The centre-back has often been criticised by fans and pundits for making costly mistakes.

Mustafi is out of contract next June, so Arsenal may have to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for free.

A return to his native Germany could be an option, although he has actually never played professionally in the Bundesliga. Mustafi spent time at Hamburg’s academy before joining Everton as a teenager.

Reports have also linked Mustafi with a return to Italy, where he used to play for Sampdoria. AC Milan are now reportedly interested in a €10m deal.

Speaking to Bild, the German international admitted he is unsure of his future.

“In the current situation, it is difficult to predict how the transfer phase will go,” Mustafi admitted.

“The Bundesliga is always interesting for me. In terms of sport, it has made great progress. It’s also my home.

“Many are amazed at the level there. In England, they were very surprised at how well the Bundesliga has managed to restart. The Premier League has certainly taken this as an example.”

“Not cut out for Arsenal”

Charlie Nicholas was just one pundit to call for Mustafi to be sold earlier this month. The former Arsenal star said the 28-year-old was “not cut out” to play for the club.

“We have a problem with identifying players,” Nicholas said. “Then what we did is we started paying £30million, £40m for Mustafi and defenders who in all honesty, no disrespect to them it’s only my opinion, are not cut out for Arsenal and have not been good enough.

“So they’ve been buying wrong. The players then realise they are not a threat to win the Premier League or we’re out of the Champions League.

“So the hierarchy have got it all wrong.”