In a flurry of news and tweets, all reporting on Mustafi from a different point in the transfer, it was hard to tell where a Mustafi exit was really at. Some said confirmed, others said Schalke and Mustafi had agreed to terms but Arsenal and Mustafi had not agreed to terms for terminating his contract… but, as things often go on Deadline Day, it seems like this has resolved itself quite quickly.
It appears that Arsenal have agreed to termination terms with Mustafi and his representation which now leaves Schalke in a race against time to complete Mustafi’s transfer to the Bundesliga, reuniting him with fellow Gooner Sead Kolasinac. Kolasinac also exited Arsenal during this January window for a loan at Schalke.
There was a moment that it seemed Arsenal would scoop a meager fee for Shkodran, but with the news that he is having his contract terminated, it does not sound like there will be any fee involved.
Liverpool reached a deal with Schalke for Ozan Kebak, and Schalke will reach a deal for Mustafi to replace Kebak. Liverpool also completed the move for Ben Davies which put an end to their interest in Mustafi. Clearly they are looking to make a few changes in back for their run in this season as they look to defend their title.
Their situation seems to be to Arsenal’s benefit as the Gunners have been looking for ways to remove unwanted players. Whether Arsenal get anything out of this deal in the form of savings through contract termination remains to be seen.
We will wait not for Arsenal to confirm this is done with and that Mustafi is with Schalke.
Gunner Thoughts 