Inter Milan have reportedly been interested in signing Arsenal center-back Shkodran Mustafi.
Arsenal signed Shkodran Mustafi from Spanish side Valencia in 2016, and he has made 27 appearances for the club since. He joined Laurent Koscielny and a combination of Nacho Monreal and Rob Holding in a back three last season. The 25-year-old German impressed in his first season as a Gunner and looked like the answer they were looking for in defense.
Yet to make an appearance for the club in the current campaign, Mustafi transfer rumors have been circling. The club with the biggest interest? Inter Milan, who are attempting to keep up with the other Milan club, AC Milan, who signed Leonardo Bonucci earlier in the transfer window. Inter are looking for another center-back to pair with Miranda. They thought Mustafi was that man.
Despite an offer of £4.6 million to loan with a £23 million buyout option, Arsenal are expecting to keep Mustafi at the Emirates. Inter may look to increase their offer as there are still two days left in the transfer window. Perhaps they can muster up an offer that Arsenal cannot refuse. However, that type of offer would surely need to be in the neighborhood of the £35 million Arsenal paid for him.
Sky in Italy: Inter Milan make new offer to Arsenal for Shkodran Mustafi. £4.6m loan fee + £23m option to buy. Arsenal expect him to stay
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 29, 2017
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However, Arsenal may be keen to keep Mustafi, especially after their loss against Liverpool. Liverpool slotting four past Arsenal’s defense surely should not sit well with the club. Maybe Mustafi is what the defense has been missing, or maybe Mustafi sees it as leverage. Regardless, Arsenal cannot afford to keep selling players. Especially if they are not actively trying to replace them. Mustafi is a good player, and if Arsenal want a shot at competing this season, they better to their best to retain him.