AC Milan are looking to bring wantaway Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi to shore up their defence and take advantage of Gunners’ current situation.
Arsenal have already seen plenty of players depart the club since the season ended. Most of those left the club after their existing contracts expired at the club, but there could be many potential departures for they could be considered unwanted in North London. Transfer Market Web are stating one of them could be German defender Shkodran Mustafi, who interests Serie A giants AC Milan.
Mustafi signed with Arsenal back in 2016 from Valencia and has yet to convince the Gunners fanbase of his credential. Irrespective of his reputation with the fans, the German has been a regular starter in the Premier League for Arsenal, although he never established himself as a reliable defender owing to his error-stricken displays at the back.
The last season was pivotal in Arsenal reportedly taking a call to sell him in the summer and could listen to offers for the defender. By the end of last season, Mustafi even lost his starting place as Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Sokratis formed a back three, with the German preferred on the bench during this period. Since Arsenal decided he is unwanted, they are looking at targets to replace him.
Dayot Upamecano has emerged as one of the players Arsenal are seeking to replace Mustafi. The likes of William Saliba and Djene Daakonam are also linked, but they are thought to be the replacement for Laurent Koscielny, who is also reportedly close to leaving Arsenal. As for Mustafi, there is plenty of interest and one of the significant teams of this lot is AC Milan, who want the defender.
Milan themselves did not have the best of seasons under Gennaro Gattuso as they finished 5th in Serie A and outside of Champions League places, similar to Arsenal. Without Champions League football, Milan have previously failed to attract top talents, although considering Mustafi’s situation at Arsenal they might feel confident about signing the German this summer.
Milan were also linked with Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren. The Croatian is also understood to be out of favour under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and could be available in the summer. While Lovren, 30, is considered an option, he would undoubtedly come cheaper compared to what Arsenal might ask for Mustafi in probability.
Mustafi joined Arsenal in a £35 million deal from Valencia. As things stand, Arsenal are in a precarious situation with their summer transfer budget, which stands at a meagre £45 million. Considering that, the club are actively looking to raise funds through player sales, and will undoubtedly look to make a profit on the £35 million they spent on Mustafi three years ago.
If Milan will be able to afford that kind of transfer fee to land Mustafi is a big question. If the Italians find it challenging to do a deal, they will certainly look at cheaper alternatives. As for Mustafi, he might be able to prove a point on Italian soil where he previously played two seasons for Sampdoria and continue his career there, possibly in Milan.
