Mikel Arteta says that talks are ongoing with Shkodran Mustafi about his Arsenal future, with Liverpool credited with an interest in the out-of-favour centre-back.
The 28-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, all coming from the bench, and with his contract expiring in the summer there is a chance that he will move on before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Reports suggest that Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in the German defender to aid their injury crisis at centre-back.
The Reds are without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the majority of the season, while Joel Matip and Fabinho are also out injured at the moment.
Jurgen Klopp is considering bringing in his fellow German, with the possibility that he could be available on a free transfer with his contract cancelled, and Arteta confirms that discussions are ongoing.
‘Well there are some conversations going on at the moment,’ said Arteta. ‘I spoke with all the players about their own situation because they are all aware of the minutes they’re playing and they want to improve their situation.
‘I am willing to help them, some of them, and the club is willing to help them and we are going to try a solution at the end but I don’t know if that’s going to be the case or not.’
Arsenal are thought to be open to Mustafi leaving and removing his substantial salary from their wage bill, while Liverpool see the experienced defender as an appealing short-term option.
Speaking about his hunt for a new centre-back, Klopp said: ‘We see the situation. We lost probably two of the best centre-halves in the whole market in a period of six or seven weeks. For the whole season. That’s massive.
‘And then the winter transfer market opens and everyone says, “Now you can do something”. We try. We see the situation. We don’t close our eyes.’
MORE : Luke Shaw slams ‘sloppy’ Man Utd performance against Arsenal
MORE : William Saliba admits he was ‘hurt’ by Mikel Arteta’s treatment at Arsenal
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Full Post Here - Mikel Arteta gives latest on Shkodran Mustafi’s Arsenal future amid shock Liverpool pursuit
Get Bitcoin Watching YouTube
