Arsenal’s reported interest in West Ham defender Issa Diop could see the end of Shkodran Mustafi’s time at the club, should the Gunners move for the Frenchman.
According to Metro Sport, Mikel Arteta has demanded that Arsenal move for Diop once the summer transfer window opens, with the 23-year centre-back having impressed for the Hammers this season.
Arteta is keen on bringing a new centre-back to the Emirates this summer, and while some reports have claimed that RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is high on the wish-list, Metro Sport believe Diop is someone else who the Spaniard has a keen interest in.
Regardless of who does come in, the end could be near for Mustafi, who could find himself pushed out of the club following the end of the season.
Sokratis has already teased his departure, although William Saliba will replace the Greece international when he joins in the summer, following the expiry of his loan deal with Saint-Etienne. With Arsenal also keen on turning loan defender Pablo Mari’s deal permanent, someone will surely have to make way if Diop is to join as well.
Mustafi has endured mixed fortunes since signing from Valencia in 2016, having been in and out of the team. This season, Mustafi has started just six times in the Premier League, five of which came in the club’s last six games, while he wasn’t even named in the first team squad on 18 occasions.
The German’s mixed form has also seen him become a target for criticism from supporters in the past, adding to the pressure on his shoulders at the Emirates.
With David Luiz, William Saliba, Calum Chambers, Rob Holding, potentially Pablo Mari and possibly one more addition to the squad, Mustafi may certainly struggle to hold down a future at the club going forward.
